MORE than 90,000 visitors are expected to visit Malvern's Spring Gardening Show this weekend.

The Royal Horticultural Society show, the first major event in the gardening calendar, opened yesterday with spring sunshine and showers. The show is now in its 22nd year and was described as offering "all the splendours of spring" by BBC Gardener's World presenter Joe Swift.

This year, there are 12 inspirational show gardens, including Chris Beardshaw's traditional Victorian Bothy garden, which won Best In Show. There is also a garden called the Malvern Riviera, a light-hearted take on climate change, and a magical hobbit-like garden for children.

In the 1.7 acre Floral Marquee, 38 gold medals have been awarded to exhibitors, including one to Grange Farm Nursery of Guarlford for its innovative display of clematis, including a new variety, Purple Rain.

TV gardener Chris Beardshaw said he loved coming to the Malvern Show. "It's a very special show for me. I grew up around here, played on the Malvern Hills and created my very first show garden here at the show ground. It's always good to be here," he said.

Chris was at the show to announce a brand new scholarship and mentoring scheme for would-be garden designers and horticulturalists.

Anyone creating a show garden at next year's Malvern show can apply for the scheme.

The Malvern Spring Gardening Show is open today (Friday), Saturday and Sunday and there is a free shuttle bus service running between Great Malvern Railway Station and the showground between 9am and 6pm.