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The Show That Makes Your Garden Grow

The National Amateur Gardening Show takes place from August 31st to September 2nd at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset - and once again there is free entry for children.

Organisers have prepared an action-packed programme that promises something to delight everyone over the three day show - from the serious horticulturist to the person who just likes to potter, plus more glorious gardens and dazzling displays than ever before.

Features this year include a chilli-growing competition, a food hall with a mouth-watering array of local produce, a spectacular array of Feature, Student Challenge, and Showcase Gardens, the ever popular giant Floral Marquee full of spectacular blooms from some of the country's top growers, a team of gardening celebrities to share their expertise and advice at question and answer sessions, celebrity workshops, the National Dahlia Society Show (the biggest dahlia show in the world!), and specialist nurseries.

One of the big highlights of the three day Show is the UK National Giant Vegetable Championships promising a monster crop of record breakers - all adding to the buzz, colour and excitement of the show which is supported by Renault. Last year's show
saw a world record-breaking cucumber and the finest display of pumpkins ever seen in this country.

Up and down the country keen gardeners are once more egging on their massive marrows, colossal cucumbers, titanic tomatoes and luscious leeks to smash the records once again.

The huge heavyweights and their growers will be chasing over £5,000 worth of cash prizes in the Championships - which attract growers from all over the country and get bigger and better each year.

There are 66 classes this year in the Flower, Fruit and Vegetables competitions, and 27 classes in the Giant Vegetable Championships from longest runner beans to largest pumpkins.

And entry is free for the four classes open to all Amateur Flower Arrangers - with titles covering "Fruits of the Hedgerow," "Flower Garden," "Celebration" and "Market Day."

Over 33,000 people enjoyed a record total of 21 spectacular garden displays and a feast of flowers, barrowfuls of bargains and shedfuls of first-time success stories at last year's Show.

The closing date for all entries in the Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Competitions and the UK National Giant Vegetable Championships is Tuesday, August 21st. The closing date for entries for the Amateur Flower Arranging Classes is Monday August 20th. Entry to all classes is free.

This year the Show is celebrating its 12th anniversary and organisers The Bath & West Trading Company and Amateur Gardening Magazine have fingers crossed for fine weather, hundreds of keen exhibitors, and thousands of eager visitors.

Celebrities handing out top tips over the three days include organic guru Bob Flowerdew, horticultural lecturer and broadcaster Christine Walkden, and expert garden writers Peter Seabrook and Anne Swithinbank.

They will be touring the show, giving talks and doing demos, taking part in question and answer sessions, meeting the crowds and presenting prizes and awards.

Other features include Amateur Gardening's Flower, Fruit and Vegetables Competitions, free lectures and demonstrations, cuttings workshops and over 400 trade stands.

A host of spectacular designs for a stunning array of gardens to be built at the Show have already been sent to Show organiser Patsy Scadding and Bristol-Based Bowland Stone is once again supporting the Student Design Challenge.

There's fun for all the family with plenty of action in the Children's Area, with face-painting, and garden games. Celebrity chef William Hunter is back cooking up a feast with his cookery demonstrations while the Showground's very own Bath and West Railway will be full steam ahead throughout the Show.

Entry schedules for all the classes can be obtained from the Competition Secretary at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset - ring 01749 822 209.

The show runs every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Tickets (price £10 for adults and £9 for senior citizens) can be booked in advance now on the credit card hotline on 01749 822 222 or on the show website on www.bathandwest.com

Prices on the gate are £12 for adults and £11 for senior citizens. There is free admittance for children aged 15 and under when accompanied by an adult.