THOUSANDS of gardeners flocked to the Blenheim Palace Flower Show over the weekend in what is believed to have been its busiest year yet.

The three-day event – now in its third year – featured quality plants, trees and shrubs and a variety of gadgets designed to transform the garden, all available to buy.

Organisers estimated that more than 30,000 people attended.

The show was opened officially on Friday by Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry and also featured an appearance by TV gardening presenter Joe Swift.

Speaking after opening the show, Ms Berry revealed she would have been a gardener if it wasn’t for her career in cookery.

The author and broadcaster, who has written more than 80 cookery books, said: “If I wasn’t a cook I would certainly be a gardener.

“For me it is such a treat to come to a show with the backdrop of Blenheim Palace, how wonderful – and, unlike Chelsea, you can buy.”

Mrs Berry did two question-and-answer sessions for fans, signed books and enjoyed the sunshine with all the other visitors after opening the show in front of the Victory Floral Pavilion.

This year the show also celebrated the 75th anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill’s Finest Hour speech.

Sir Winston was born in the palace and is buried nearby at Bladon.

The 25,000 sq m pavilion was packed with growers and plant experts exhibiting their wares.

In total more than 200 stands including local exhibitors were on display in the grounds for visitors to enjoy.

A show garden was also themed around summer, with talented designers creating their gardens from scratch.

On Saturday gardening enthusiasts had more to get their trowels into when presenter, author and garden designer Joe Swift showed up.

The BBC Gardener’s World host shared his knowledge of landscaping, garden design and home gardening.

Celebrity gardener David Domoney, a resident expert on the Alan Titchmarsh Show was the main attraction for Sunday’s guests.

Organiser Matt Upson said the weekend had been the busiest in the flower show’s history.

He added: “It was a fantastic show and we were really lucky with the weather. After forecasts of a washout on Saturday it didn’t really happen until about 4pm.

“As a result we had three really good days and it was the busiest show we’ve ever done.

“We are all very tired out now, but already looking forward to next year’s event.”