Organisers of the second Blenheim Palace Flower Show, which opened yesterday, predict the event will attract gardening enthusiasts in their tens of thousands.

/A display of sweet peas at the second Blenheim Palace Flower Show

The 2002 flower show, in the palace grounds at Woodstock, has grown considerably since last year, with 250 exhibitors, compared to 140.

Organisers expect many more visitors than the 30,000 who attended in 2001.

The highlights of this year's show include treehouses, a fantasy forest of fossil ferns, a floral pavilion and a performing frog orchestra.

Denis Rawlings, managing director of show organisers, Event Innovations, said: "The early indications in terms of visitor numbers suggest this show is going to be a runaway success. "The thing that sets Blenheim apart from rival shows is that it's set in an 11-acre site, which means there's plenty of room for everyone.

Visitors can book tickets either on the ticket hotline, 0115 912 9188, or online at www.bpfs2002.co.uk

Tickets for the flower show cost £10 for adults, £8.50 for OAPs and £3 for children.

Tickets including a tour of Blenheim Palace cost £17.50 for adults, £14 for OAPs, and children's tickets cost £6. Discounts are available for groups.

The show will open from 10am to 6pm, and the car park will be open from 9.30am.