Award-winning garden designer Julian Dowle, who won silver at this week's Chelsea Flower Show, has hinted at his retirement from the prestigious competition.

Speaking from the show, the Newent-based expert said he was a little disappointed to get silver instead of a higher award, when the results were announced on Tuesday morning.

But he added: "It's gone very well. I've had a really good team of people working with me. We got the people's vote. The crowds have been huge, standing six deep.

"Now, I think it's time for me to hang up my clogs and let someone else do it. I'm looking forward to getting back to Gloucestershire."

If Mr Dowle sticks by his decision, it will bring to a close a remarkable track record at the Chelsea Flower Show, with ten individual gold medals to his credit.

This year, Mr Dowle put together a garden for the Salvation Army. Called Darkness to Light, it has proved to be a major crowd-pleaser.

Sponsored by Buildbase, it makes use of light and dark coloured plants, illuminated fountains and a Salvation Army-style bandstand.

The Dowle family have had another success at the show to celebrate.

Mr Dowle's son, Peter, has been working on a joint project with the Melbourne company Senkin Landscapes.

With the help of Peter Dowle, An Australian Courtyard Garden, which won best design in show at the Melbourne Show, was shipped over from Australia and reconstructed for the Chelsea Flower Show. It won a silver gilt award this week.

Julian Dowle said: "Of course, we're very happy."

Typically a Chelsea Show garden can coast as much as £600 per square metre and involve up to 10,000 plants.

The Dowle team have been working hard at the Chelsea site since May 5.