MORE than 100,000 people are expected to flock to the Three Counties Showground this weekend for the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, which opened Today.

Making a welcome return to the four-day event is the godfather of gardening, Alan Titchmarsh, with other leading horticultural experts alongside fab foodies such as Masterchef judge, John Torode and TV chef Valentine Warner.

Diana Walton, the festival's head, said: “We can’t wait to welcome our visitors to what promises to be one of our very best shows yet. We have packed in lots of exciting new features alongside our hugely popular regular line up. It’s going to be unforgettable with something for everyone to enjoy – gardeners of all levels of enthusiasm, food fans and families too.”

Visitors can expect to see a host of magnificent displays from giant terrariums to flying Morgan cars festooned with flowers in the new Great Pavilion of Art and Flowers.

More than 100 specialist nurseries will be on site, offering plants ranging from old favourites to brand-new varieties being launched at the show.

A world first will be a special knitted garden, crafted by widow Clare Young and a team of knitters from across the globe.

The heartfelt Work of Heart garden will stand in memory of her late husband Ken and raise money for the Sue Ryder Leckhampton hospice.

Visitors can look out for the special Celebrating Blue Pete’ garden, marking 60 years of the popular children’s show.

There are also 12 school gardens from youngsters showcasing the theme of what makes Britain Great.

Renowned food writer Mark Diacono hosts a busy programme of demonstrations from culinary and gardening experts alike in the Festival Theatre.

Food fans will be able to pick up top tips from Valentine Warner and join John Torode previewing recipes from his new book.

BBC Gardeners’ World presenters Carol Klein, Alys Fowler and Joe Swift will also be sharing their expertise.

The show gardens including the Perfumer’s Garden overflowing with fragrant blooms from Ruth Gwynn and Alan Williams, Martyn Wilson’s Memories of Service RAF tribute garden, and the Garden in The Egg, all the way from Russia – a perfectly designed miniature garden inside a three-metre metallic shell.

The festival runs until Sunday.