MALVERN’S Spring Gardening Show has beaten the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in a poll among readers of Which? Gardening magazine.

Asked to compile a list of Britain’s top 10 horticultural events, 2,300 Which members responded and gave the Malvern show an 80 per cent rating, which put it in fourth place ahead also of Tatton Park, BBC Gardeners’ World Live, Cardiff Show, and the Shrewsbury and Wisley flower shows.

The event’s “lovely location” on the Three Counties Showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills was a major draw, but other merits included its variety of products for scale, its access and its good parking.

Refreshments scored higher than most other events, and the wide choice of high quality plants at reasonable prices, the plant crèche and the porter service were also ranked highly.

The Malvern show is a partnership between the Three Counties Agricultural Society and the Royal Horticultural Society.

Show manager Doreen Smillie said: “Together with our partners, the RHS, we have worked extremely hard to improve this event over the years, to ensure that it retains its loyal supporters and attracts new enthusiasts too.

“It is vital we reflect current trends and meet customer expectations of content without spoiling the generally charming and friendly feel of the show, so it’s lovely to hear that Which? Gardening members are impressed with what we have achieved so far.”

The poll was topped by Harrogate Spring Flower Show with 86 per cent.

Chelsea Flower Show scored 75 per cent.