UNDAUNTED by the threat of rain the crowds still rolled into the Three Counties Showground at Malvern when the RHS Spring Festival opened yesterday.

Once again the show, which runs through to Sunday (May 12) boasts a stellar line-up of gardening gurus with special guests including the ever popular Monty Don and Carol Klein, and on the food front there’s Raymond Blanc and John Torode.

Gardening enthusiasts have already been inspecting and admiring the numerous creations, looking for inspiration on what they might adapt for their homes.

There are eight show gardens on display and five Green Living Spaces created by some of the country’s top designers, along with the special display in the huge Floral Marquee where many local growers will be hoping to pick up a top award.

Head of shows, Diana Walton, said: “The show gardens are one of the most popular attractions at the festival and this year we’re delighted to be welcoming so many new faces.”

She said: “For six of our designers, it will be their first show garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival. We can now see what they created for us and we know our visitors having been enjoying what is on show.”

Show visitors are also able to inspect and admire 11 gardens which have been designed by school children from around the county as part of the RHS School Gardens Challenge.

The show usually bring in around 100,000 visitors over its four day run.