THE director of a Teignbridge-based floral art academy unveiled her life-sized tribute of horticultural icon Monty Don at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Crafted from hay, moss, wire, twool and dried leaves, the tribute is the work of Tina Parkes, director of the British Academy of Floral Art, which is based at Dunchideock.

Visitors to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show were in for an unexpected and unforgettable surprise at seeing the Gardeners' World presenter immortalised in natural materials

The piece was being showcased at the Twool Stand, alongside a striking willow-woven dog named Ned.

The sculpture is crafted from hay, wire and moss, with Twool fibre (a sustainable Dartmoor wool) forming Monty’s distinctive hair and hands.

His face is carefully shaped from dried leaves, lending a natural warmth and character that perfectly captures the essence of the beloved broadcaster.

‘I wanted to create something that felt both humorous and heartfelt’ Tina said.

‘Monty Don represents a deep connection with nature and gardening.

‘Using natural materials to sculpt him felt like the perfect tribute — and a great creative challenge’ Tina added.

This installation marks a creative collaboration between the British Academy of Floral Art and Twool, a brand dedicated to championing British wool and sustainability.

The piece celebrates not only floristry’s potential as an art form, but also the beauty and humour that can be found in floral design.

Visitors had the opportunity to view the Monty Don sculpture and Ned with his floral collar at the Twool Stand throughout the duration of the show or, for those that could not make it, on TV catch-up of the show.