BLENHEIM Palace will be holding its annual flower show for the third year running this weekend showcasing the best in gardening from across the UK.

The Blenheim Palace Flower Show, starting today, will feature more than 250 of the country’s leading floral and garden exhibitors.

Visitors to the three-day event can also walk around the palace’s iconic gardens.

This year the show will be opened by television presenter Mary Berry, who has been a judge on the BBC programme The Great British Bake Off since it began in 2010.

Mrs Berry said: “I’m thrilled to be opening the Blenheim Palace Flower Show as gardening is a huge passion of mine. I am almost as happy in a garden as I am in a kitchen. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the amazing floral displays from some of the country’s leading nurseries as well as being inspired by the fantastic show gardens.”

Mrs Berry will be meeting today’s visitors for a question and answer session, and to sign copies of her new book, Mary Berry: Absolute Favourites.

There will also be gardening talks from celebrity guests, including David Domoney, presenter on ITV’s Love Your Garden.

New for 2015 is the Churchill Cup Basket Competition, with “Creative Colour in the Summer Garden” as its theme.

The hanging basket competition will pay homage to Sir Winston Churchill. This year sees the 50th anniversary of the wartime leader’s death.

Matt Upson, director of show organiser Aztec Events, said: “We thought it would be a really nice to recognise Churchill’s commemorative year that also marks the 75th anniversary of his ‘finest hour.”

The Grand Floral Pavilion will form the centrepiece of the show. It will be packed with the UK’s finest nurseries and growers competing for gold medals.

Visitors can also enjoy food and refreshment stalls, including afternoon tea and a Champagne bar.

Mr Upson said: “The show is going from strength to strength and in three years it has made its mark on the horticultural calendar .”

Tickets cost £12.80 for adults, and £6.60 for children.

The show will be open from 10am to 5pm each day, and parking is free.

For more information and tickets, visit blenheimflowershow.co.uk