With BBC Gardeners’ World Live opening in just a matter of days, here is a pick of the very best bits that you’ll find at The NEC from 16 – 19 June.

Show Gardens

From the recreation of a canal complete with narrow boat, to a garden commemorating Geoff Hamilton, this year’s show has wall to wall inspiration and practical ideas for you to take home to your own garden.

Don’t miss Health for Life’s Community Garden, designed to generate thoughts of how green spaces can be used for a healthier lifestyle, featuring kids’ cookery and paint-a-seed-mat sessions plus artists promoting community gardening through poetry and performance at the weekend.

Rose Festival

Brand new to the Show this year, the Rose Festival includes unbeatable displays from the best UK rose growers, advice and Rose Talks Stage featuring experts including Val Bourne and Nick Hamilton, plus Rose Question Time at 4pm daily.

King Alan and Queen Mary

For one time only, Alan Titchmarsh joins Mary Berry on stage, Friday 17 June 1pm. Mary cooks some of her favourite summer dishes whilst Alan shares tips on growing the tasty ingredients yourself.

Kids Gardening

Those visiting with children will find an endless amounts to enjoy at the Show. The Skinny Jean Gardeners, aka the Blue Peter Gardeners, will inspire kids to get growing at the VegTrug Grow Your Own Stage daily, where previous Young Gardener of the Year Lucas Hatch is also on the line-up; preschoolers will enjoy sessions lead by garden expert Matthew Appleby (Friday); Poultry Talk, Bats Conservation Trust and British Beekeepers Association all offer hands-on activities at their stands; and the Family Zone Tent is where you’ll find the Donkey Sanctuary, face painting, art & craft sessions and CBeebies’ Hey Duggee at the weekend! For a bit of me-time, book little ones into a 90miute Crèche session run by Little Folks Day Nurseries. Follow #GWLKids on Twitter for more.

Plant a seed and watch it grow….

Children should head to the Family Zone Tent to plant up a Pumpkin or Runner Bean seed to take home, and then follow the online journey of ‘Buddy’ the seed sharing photos of how it’s growing on social media. The best ones will join the Buddy Gallery on bbcgardenersworldlive.com!

New plants on the block

Get your hands on the very latest varieties in the Floral Marquee, with no less than nine new introductions taking place at the Show including the Eve Rose named for The Eve Appeal charity (introduced by Harkness Roses and Roses UK), Streptocarpus Titania (introduced by Dibleys Nurseries) and Heuchera Isabella (introduced by Plantagogo).

Lonely Bouquets

Celebrating British Flowers Week, look for a Lonely Bouquet during your visit – if you find one, give it a good home! Lonely Bouquets produced by Flowers From the Farm (Floral Marquee, stand SS8).

UK Florist of the Year

For great ideas and to pick up skills in creating stunning displays from garden flowers, head to the British Floristry Association Stage and Shop. On Thursday and Friday, enjoy the heats of this brand new competition with a ‘Wedding in the Garden’ theme, plus BFA demonstrations daily.

Treat Dad for Father’s Day!

With the final day of the Show taking place on Father’s Day, what better way to treat him than with a great family day out? Include seats to see award-winning garden designer Joe Swift to give Dad inspiration for his next garden project this summer!

Join the foodie glitterati

All tickets include entry to the BBC Good Food Show Summer with an impressive line-up including Tom Kerridge, Michel Roux Jr, the Hairy Bikers and local Michelin Starred Glynn Purnell. Ask about Masterclass availability when you arrive for chocolate and wine pairing, sushi making and more.

Book in advance for the best prices, and get the latest ticket offer at bbcgardenersworldlive.com