Inspired by the Italians, the flamboyant architect created the Gaskell Memorial Tower - the town's most memorable landmark and the one that gives Knutsford its Mediterranean feel.

This summer Mary McGregor and Liz Roberts will be hoping to do something similar with flowers.

The two home-grown horticulturalists plan to showcase their garden - Dreaming of Italy from a Knutsford Garden - at this year's RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.

It was inspired by Harding Watt.

"He designed many of the unusual buildings that are unique to Knutsford," said Mary.

"So we thought it was quite appropriate to base the garden around his ideas."

Tall cypress trees will form the backdrop to the formal six-metre by four-metre, back-to-back garden.

A small rill will carry water from a wall-mounted spout across a path into a pool, and a door in the corner of the garden will reveal Tuscan hills in the distance. "It's very exciting to be part of the show," said Mary.

For the past 10 years Liz and Mary, of Folia Garden, have been transforming gardens of all shapes and sizes.

They both agree that there is no greater satisfaction than creating a garden and watching it grow.

"We love this job because it is so creative and endlessly stimulating," said Mary.

The third annual Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show at Tatton Park takes place between July 18 and 22.

Tickets are available on 0870 906 3811.