KEY POINTS:
The future looks rosy for the Ellerslie International Flower Show after it was given a glowing pass mark by the head of one of the world's most prestigious gardening events.
The 12th show, which opens today at the Botanic Garden in Manukau City, features the best of New Zealand's horticultural, floral and landscape design.
Bob Sweet, head of London's Chelsea Flower Show, said the local event had "turned the corner" and was starting to rival other international gardening exhibitions.
"Last year's show just needed some lift into it and I think whilst there were some very interesting exhibits they would not have competed in an international field.
"This year, very clearly, a lot of the exhibits have really got to the stage of what any visitor would expect to see at the Chelsea Flower Show."
Mr Sweet, who is also the convenor of judges at this year's event, said the level of scrutiny had been raised to meet international standards.
Dave Mee, managing director of the show, said he wanted the event to "be right up there with the very best".
"We will never quite reach Chelsea's 130 years of tradition but we are aiming at a combination of factors like horticultural and design excellence," he said.
Designers were encouraged to promote more of a New Zealand-type feel to their gardens on display.
"Most of the gardens have that type of feel and that's a big difference from when many tried to look like the Chelsea show. We don't want that now."
Mr Mee said at least 70,000 people were expected to attend over the next five days.
The garden features sculptures and nearly 3000 native plants, trees and shrubs.
