Design students will be demonstrating that there is more to garden borders than rows of regimented bedding plants standing to attention on a bare brown parade ground.

A brand new competition at the Malvern Spring Garden Show called Borders Without Gardens has already attracted some creative and exciting ideas.

Show organisers, the Three Counties Agricultural Society and the Royal Horticultural Society, say they are delighted with the quality of the designs so far and look forward to more leading up to the event from Thursday, May 11, to Sunday, May 14.

Three Counties Agricultural Show press officer Sharon Gilbert said: "Malvern has long been recognised as a champion of up-and-coming design talents joining the show circuit for the first time.

"This prestigious new competition aims to give students from colleges and design schools throughout the country, the opportunity to achieve recognition for their work and maybe a coveted Royal Horticultural Show medal. "

The show is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year and will include the Garden Life Pavilion for the first time. This is a showcase of handpicked, individual, garden-related exhibitors located in the show gardens area.

Also new for this year is the Elgar Arcade with top quality designer stands and other attractions include the interactive design theatre featuring celebrity gardening gurus Joe Swift, James Alexander-Sinclair and Alan Titchmarsh.

Tickets prices for the event start from £11 and children up to 15 years old enter free.

For the ticket hotline call 01684 584924 or book online at www.threecounties.co.uk