What's new at Yorkshire's premier spring flower show?

One of the key new additions for 2008 is the Bradstone College Garden Design Area, which will occupy a prominent central position in the plant societies' and garden design marquee and will feature seven show gardens built by students.

The competing colleges - Askham Bryan, York; Askham Bryan, Harrogate; Bishop Burton; Craven College; Leeds Metropolitan; Park Lane, Leeds; and University of Lincoln - have all been challenged to design a small back garden to suit a family. 'We want to show that good design doesn't have to be exorbitantly expensive or outrageous,' said show director Roger Brownbridge. 'Our aim is to encourage design that is innovative as well as practical. 'All the entrants have been asked to include a wheelie bin and some seating - we look forward to some imaginative solutions. 'Hopefully, the ideas incorporated in the gardens will let visitors see that employing a garden designer is not an extravagance but a good investment, particularly in a small space.' Teams from northern colleges will also be taking part in the regional heats of the UK Skills Challenge 2008, which will see them building a garden on the first day of the show.

The emphasis will be on construction techniques, providing competitors with the opportunity to test their skills under pressure. Horticultural nurseries will be facing a new challenge too, thanks to a new judging category - Innovative Display - in the flower halls. 'Nurseries can be reluctant to try something new in case the judges don't like it,' said Roger. 'However, our visitors' enjoyment is paramount and it's important that we offer them a fresh experience each time, otherwise they might not bother coming back.' Sixteen nurseries have accepted the challenge to come up with innovative designs on the inaugural theme of 'Yorkshire'. But the event is not all about design.

As always, Harrogate Spring Flower Show gets the horticultural season off to a flying start with more than 100 of the UK's top nurseries exhibiting a wide range of plants, from alpines and cacti to perennials, trees and shrubs. Visitors will be able to enjoy the daffodil and tulip shows as well as an extensive range of sundries, both traditional and contemporary, as well as a range of food and craft marquees.

For further information or to book a ticket, phone 0870 758 3333 or click on www.flowershow.org.uk Prices range from �12-14 (under-16s free).