NATIONAL Trust bosses are inviting people to take a look behind the scenes of TV gardening.

Green-fingered primadonna Mary Gold returns to Biddulph Grange Garden this week, complete with her day-glo wellies and matching marigold gloves.

Following the success of its outdoor theatre production in 2001 the trust is returning with the fictional touring TV programme - Mud, Mulch and Marigolds.

The production takes a satirical look at TV armchair gardening, while investigating the concerns facing gardeners today.

The performance also links up with the trust's theme at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, that of exploring the importance of gardens as wildlife habitats.

"Visitors are given a unique off- camera insight into the wild world of outside broadcasting, as they take on the role of an outside broadcast audience for a special edition of the fictional gardening programme," said Claire Sharratt from the trust.

"Will Mary Gold succeed in her mission to seek inspiration from the trust gardens for the nation's window boxes?

"Or will her plans be bungled by characters lurking in bushes.?"

Free public performances of Mud, Mulch and Marigolds, which includes talking topiary, an over-sized marigold and huge washing line, take place at Biddulph Grange Garden today and tomorrow at 3.30pm.

Please call the garden on 01782-517999 to reserve a place. Normal admission charges to the garden apply.

The show is suitable for children seven years and above.

People should be prepared for walking, and bring an umbrella or sun hat.