A BROMSGROVE gardener has high hopes for his first attempt at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show next week.

Former farmer Tim Dunkley of Greenfields Farm, Upton Warren, lost his entire flock of sheep during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis.

After a restriction order was placed on his farm, Tim's sheep were literally starving to death.

Tim, who lives with his wife and children, said: "We had the flock culled. It was heart breaking."

He turned his hand to landscaping and just three years later he has built a garden to take to the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in London, the highlight of the gardening calendar.

"We have been working on the garden for more than 12 months, getting sponsorship and getting the designs approved," said Tim.

"My worst fear is that I'll forget something really important like a screwdriver and be stuck in the middle of Chelsea hunting for one!"

The garden has been designed by Hannah Genders of Rowney Green, for blind and partially sighted people and is sponsored by BT for the Living Paintings Trust. It is one of ten gardens in the 'Chic Gardens' category.

A palette of blues, purples and greens depicts the 'movement of a deep ocean' and a secluded courtyard with copper and birch decking provides space for beautiful hangings.

This will be Tim's first attempt at Chelsea but two years ago Hannah won a sliver gilt for another Living Paintings garden she designed.

Now the green-fingered pair are after the coveted gold.

Tim admits: "Anything less than a silver gilt just won't do!"

The BBC will be covering the show all week.