David Harber, who produces bespoke sundials, sculptures and water features, was awarded a trophy by the Royal Horticultural Society, confirming him as one of the best stands out of a field of 600.

The 53-year-old, who operates out of a converted barn near Blewbury and counts Dame Judi Dench and George Michael among his clients, said: “It’s very hard graft for about three weeks to put together a stand so it’s really nice to get recognition for all those people who worked on it.”

Mr Harber began his business almost 20 years ago in a former pigsty near Henley before moving to a converted dairy in Bix.

He then settled in his current converted barn.

A veteran of more than a dozen shows, Mr Harber said Chelsea’s quality was unrivalled across the world.

He added: “If selling sundials and water features is a barometer of the economy then we appear to be out of the woods.

“Orders we have been picking up here at Chelsea are from Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, America and a goodly amount from England.”

Master blacksmith Michael Jacques was displaying his garden furniture and sculptures at his ninth Chelsea show and was awarded a merit in the trade-stand category.

The 43-year-old, who has workshops in Chalgrove and Newington, began his business in 1990 after doing his apprenticeship in Nuneham Courtenay.

He now employs about half a dozen Oxfordshire blacksmiths.

He said: “It’s been fantastic this year and we have secured a very good site.

“Chelsea is always wonderful because there’s such a mixture of people from all over the world and everyone is so friendly and complimentary.”

Hook Norton’s Hamish Mackie exhibited an eye-catching display of animal sculptures and was commended by the RHS for his stand.

The Radley College alumnus, who began his sculpting career in 1996, said: “It’s been a really good show this year.

“There’s always a big build up and it’s been a tiring couple of weeks, but the show’s going really well.

“I’ve sold a few smaller items and had some interest in the larger ones so I’m really chuffed.”