Like its inspiration, London's Chelsea Flower Show, Ellerslie attracts thousands of visitors (in the region of 70,000 over the five days). Each year the festival grows (quite literally), with over 300 amazing exhibits to view, as well as Garden Art fashioned by leading New Zealand sculptors.

For those who aren't green-fingered, there is plenty of non-floral entertainment in the shape of live bands and roving entertainment covering the whole site. Petanque, croquet and horseshoe pitching are usually part of the fun.

Visitors want for nothing as the site is well-equipped with restaurants, free motorised scooters and wheelchairs for those who need help getting around, and even a mobile bank with foreign exchange and ATM Machines.

At the end of the show - from 4pm on the Sunday - there is usually a Grand Plant Sale, when visitors can purchase any materials used in the displays, ranging from exotic flowers and plants to paving stones.

For a full list of 2009 exhibitors and events, please check the festival website from April onwards.