Alan Titchmarsh wannabes, or even those without such green-tinged fingers, should head to Harrogate this weekend for the town's autumn flower show.

A huge array of the season's most spectacular plants will be on show at the 29th annual show, which opened today.

If you want to replace your shabby garden furniture, tidy up your borders or get a shiny new greenhouse, you'll find plenty of ideas at the Great Yorkshire Showground, just off the A661.

Many sunflowers, grasses and autumn perennials will be on display, together with more than 300 stands offering tips and ideas on how to make the most of your garden.

Planning ahead to next year, there will be all sorts of bulbs on sale from more than 90 of the UK's leading horticultural nurseries.

Flower show spokeswoman Mary Bond said: "People will find things here that they can't get at their local garden centres. It is a great opportunity to pick up something to enhance your garden after the summer."

Non-gardeners can enjoy arts and crafts stalls and the four on-site cafs selling regional foods. Organisers are hoping for a repeat of last year's record attendance figures of more than 36,000 people over three days.

Fears of mixed weather this year should not deter visitors, as most of the stands and exhibits are under cover and all marquees are fully ramped and floored. If your shopping bag gets too heavy, you can leave it in the plant crche at £1 a bag - all proceeds going to gardeners' charity Perennial.

Getting there is easy. Free shuttle buses will run to and from Harrogate town centre, parking at the show is free with courtesy buses to the gate.

Pre-booked wheelchairs are available, with a disabled parking area for badge holders.

Updated: 10:29 Friday, September 17, 2004