Gardeners who may have neglected their patch of green due to the dreary weather will need to tackle their topiary ready to roll out the red carpet and play a rousing fanfare as royalty tours gardens up and down the country – although in gnome form.

B&Q’s Diamond Jubilee royal gnomes

B&Q is selling regal gnomes to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. With a bearded king and a caped queen they’re not exactly a close likeness to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip but they certainly give the Duke of Edinburgh a run for his money in the comedy stakes.