Garden glamour at the Ellerslie Flower Show

Ellerslie Flower Show girl Venus welcomed guests to the 2005 launch at Eden Gardens. File picture / Greg Bowker

What is it?

A great big garden show that runs next week, from November 16 to 20. It's modelled on the Chelsea Flower Show in London.

Where is it?

At Auckland's Regional Botanic Gardens in Manukau City.

Why is it called the Ellerslie Flower Show then?

Good question. For the first three years it was held at the Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland, and became a recognisable brand name thanks to some nifty public relations work - much the same as the Chelsea Flower Show. So the organisers moved the show to a bigger site but kept the name.

How long has it been going?

This is the 11th show. The first one was in 1994 and there was no show in 1997.

Who goes to it?

This year between 70,000 and 75,000 people are expected. About half come from outside the Greater Auckland area and around 2000 visitors from overseas.

How many plants are there?

Peter Cox, the show's general manager, estimates about 120,000 plants will be brought to the site and combined with the 50,000-70,000 already in place.

That's a pretty big show.

The Ellerslie Flower Show is the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere.

What are the drawcards this year?

Top billing goes to New Zealander Xanthe White and her series of 10 gardens charting the change from practicality and vege gardens to luxury and lifestyle.

How do I get a ticket?

Tickets are available at Ticketek, online at www.ticketek.co.nz (link below) or by phoning (09) 307-5000 or your local Ticketek outlet, or from Foodtown stores.