Many visitors to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton are surprised when they see the layout of the gardens.

Instead of formal flower beds as at Versailles, near Paris, the Brighton gardens are riotous almost to the point of being unkempt.

It's not just a case of letting nature take its course opposite the former royal palace.

The gardens have been carefully laid out so they are close to what people would have seen in Regency times.

John Nash is chiefly known for the wonderful folly of the Pavilion itself, with its onion-shaped dome.

But he was also responsible for the gardens and it is with his plan in mind that these fine designs have been faithfully recreated.

Modern-day gardeners have also cunningly adapted the plans to cater for 21st Century needs and the fact that thousands of people visit every day.

And for those who don't fully comprehend why the gardens are as they are, there will soon be a booklet and seasonal tours.