VISITORS to Blenheim Palace Flower Show will learn all about home growing fruit and vegetables in a series of talks by organic gardening guru Robert Longstaff.

Mr Longstaff and his wife Yvonne are the inspiration behind the Oxford Garden Project – a programme that teaches the skills needed to complete the cycle of food from plot to plate.

The Oxford Garden Project was launched in 2000 as a not for profit social enterprise to inform and entertain people about the benefits of a sustainable lifestyle and advise on community growing schemes and local food production.

Originally set up from their organic garden in Longworth the project now operates around the UK and overseas.

It has developed courses and programmes with the National Federation of Women's Institutes, Oxford Adult Education Department and local community groups across the county.

At the Blenheim Palace Flower Show from June 17 to 19 Mr Longstaff will be giving a series of talks on topics such as sustainable vegetable growing, vegetables growing in small spaces and organic pest control.

The show is being opened on Friday, June 17 by The Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen.

One of the highlights on Saturday is an appearance by builder and gardener Tommy Walsh, best known for his role in the BBC's Ground Force series.

At the heart of the show will be a 20,000 square foot Grand Floral Pavilion featuring more than 30 floral displays and a large selection of flowers and plants from the UK's finest plantsman.

Visit blenheimflowershow.co.uk for more. Tickets are £12 for adults and £5.50 for children.