GARDENERS' World star, Diarmuid Gavin, passed on some of his garden design knowledge to Christchurch and Wimborne shoppers.

The TV presenter and host dropped into Stewarts Gardenlands in Somerford and Broomhill to chat with residents about plans for their own gardens. He also shared his top planting tips for spring.

Speaking at the Somerford branch, Diarmuid said: "People have been very interested in their plants and flowers, as we've had a very long, cold winter and now everything is starting to flower.

He added: "Stewarts are great as they grow a lot of the plants they sell. I've been recommending a lot of roses, aubretia and delphiniums and talked with people about how to feed and look after them.

"A lot of people have brought along pictures of their front and back gardens and have spoken about their plans or things they'd like to improve in the garden. We've also done a lot of sketches of designs they could consider and many people were interested in talking to me about the Chelsea Flower Show.

"It has been fantastic to be in Dorset. The sun is out, everybody is in a good mood and they are very relaxed."

In total, he spent almost five hours speaking to customers at the company's two branches, speaking about his experiences of winning several gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and his work on numerous television shows.

Head of retail for Stewarts Gardenlands, Terry Head, said: "We're now stocking Diarmuid's new cabana, which he has worked with the company, Alexander Ross, to create. We think that it will be a fantastic feature in any garden for lounging or dining.

"He visited the two stores to talk about the cabana and the answer any garden design questions customers may have.

"We had people bringing in photos of their gardens at home and he has been sketching things out in answer to their questions.

"A few people also brought in books that they have used to help design their own gardens, for him to sign and also pose for pictures. He's been great."