THE biggest gardening show in the North West is coming to Knutsford. (From Warrington Guardian)

THE biggest gardening show in the North West is coming to Knutsford.

Details of the event at Tatton Park were unveiled in London last week, but work to prepare 25 acres of the park for the show began six months ago.

"It's tremendous," said Tatton's head gardener Sam Youd. "I won't even have to get the bus to the show."

The event is set to rival the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show which is known throughout the world.

Organisers, the Royal Horticultural Society, are expecting more than 70,000 visitors to attend the four-day event in July - with 200,000 flocking to the show by 2004.

"It is really going to put the North West on the map and make Tatton a centre of excellence in horticulture," said Mr Youd, a member of the show's advisory committee.

The event judge also promised 'spin-offs' for Knutsford town centre.

"A lot of visitors will be spending money in the shops and will need looking after in hotels," he said.

Attractions at the show will include floral marquees, water displays and practical demonstrations.

In addition Tatton Park will have a special exhibit with a Japanese theme

"We chose the Japanese theme because it is something that is unique in Tatton's gardens," said Mr Youd.

The show opens on July 22.

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