WITH happy music from a steel band rolling across the sun-kissed Three Counties Showground, the 2009 Malvern Spring Gardening Show came into full bloom on its last day.

Strong winds on Friday and into Saturday had threatened minor disruption and a large inflatable structure on one stand was removed in case it disappeared towards Worcester.

But weather order was restored on Sunday and crowds clutching plants, pots and paraphernalia packed the maze of avenues on the 30-acre site.

Show spokeswoman Sharon Gilbert said: “The 2009 show has been a great success. We were cautious beforehand because of the country’s economic troubles, but it did not deter the crowds and people still appear ready to spend on their gardens. Final figures are not in, but our attendance appears to be on a par with last year, at just over 90,000.

“Royal Horticultural Society judges gave the highest number of awards in its 24-year history and everyone remarked on the quality of the exhibits.

“The RHS Malvern Floral Marquee was a really wonderful sight and the 22 show gardens were amazing.

“We are always keen to encourage young gardeners and it was great to see the new competition for schools so well supported.

“Also, the art and design students from Worcester College of Technology provided us with some gardening fashion that will stay in the memory for a long time.”