Garden for ex-Beatle blooms at Chelsea Flower Show

LONDON (AFP) - A garden commemorating the life of former Beatle George Harrison was given royal approval by Queen Elizabeth II at this year's Chelsea Flower Show in London, which opens Tuesday.

The British monarch met Harrison's widow Olivia at the garden -- featuring sections about his childhood in Liverpool, north-west England, his Beatles fame and even the afterlife -- while touring the show ahead of its opening.

Another former Beatle, Ringo Starr, also dropped by to inspect the brightly-coloured garden, called "From Life To Life" after a line in the Harrison-penned Beatles song "It's All Too Much."

Guitarist Harrison died aged 58 in 2001 after suffering from cancer.

"I think she thought the idea of a narrative garden was interesting," said Olivia Harrison following the head of state's visit. "Each level for me is a huge story.

"It was nice of her to visit. I feel honoured, truly honoured."

The garden was created by designer Yvonne Innes.

The annual Chelsea Flower Show is one of the biggest events in the horticultural calendar and features some 600 exhibitors from around the world. Around 157,000 people are expected to attend over five days.

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