MORE than 90,000 green-fingered enthusiasts are expected at Malvern's Three Counties Showground over the next three days for the Spring Gardening Show.

Now officially Britain's first major horticultural event of the season, this year's show has a royal send-off tonight when the Duke of Gloucester attends a preview gala reception for St John Ambulance in the main Malvern Floral Marquee.

For the fourth year running, the show is also being featured by BBC Television's Gardeners' World.

Presenter Monty Don and the team were due on the showground today and tomorrow filming material to be broadcast tomorrow night at 8.30pm on BBC2.

"The exposure from television has really heightened our profile," said show press officer Sharon Gilbert, "and visitors now arrive from all over the country. We are truly on the national calendar."

Now a joint venture between Three Counties Agricultural Society and the Royal Horticultural Society, the event has mushroomed since it began 19 years ago as a small regional flower show

Advance ticket sales are already up by 20 per cent on 2003, which was the best year so far with more than 93,000 through the gates.

This year's visitors can look forward to a record-breaking collection of 14 show gardens, including an old miner's garden, a romantic lover's retreat and an eco-cube, based on science fiction.

There are also three feature gardens, each designed to challenge preconceived ideas and stimulate discussion.

Topping the bill in the BBC Hereford & Worcester Celebrity Theatre is Alan Titchmarsh, who will be at Malvern on Saturday.

He'll be joined by Chris Beardshaw (Sunday), Nigel Colborn (Friday), Joe Swift (Friday), Toby Buckland (Sunday) and James Alexander-Sinclair (Friday).

Expert advice and practical planting tips will also be on offer at the Gardening Roadshow.

"We are very proud of the fact the Spring Gardening Show has blossomed into such a popular event," said Ms Gilbert.

"With 30 acres of specialist flowers, design ideas and revolutionary gadgets, Malvern has earned its reputation as a source of charming, yet achievable, ideas for gardeners of all abilities.

Among the 500 trade stands will be one featuring the Evening News, where purchase of a paper will include a selection of great giveaways, such as gardening gloves, plant sprays and gardening tools, plus children's goodies.

n The Spring Gardening Show is open 9am-6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is £13 and £12. Children 15 and under are admitted free.