No one seemed to have told the gardeners and organisers that more than 100,000 visitors were due to descend on them in days.

Instead, everyone was quietly working on their show gardens - banging, digging, measuring and snipping.

"A lot of these people have done a lot of exhibitions over a lot of years," grinned a busy but relaxed Max de Soisson, show supremo.

"They know exactly what they're doing."

There have been a few hiccups.

High Legh Garden Centre - working with Alan Gardner, named by Harper's and Queen as one of the top 10 garden designers in the country - had been creating a Solar Garden, based around next month's total eclipse of the sun.

But workers were horrified to spot trouble from below - ranks of molehills creeping up to their garden.

"The last thing we want is a leaky pond because some furry head has popped through it," said Mr Gardner. "I shall be on 'Swampy' duty all night and woe betide any curious tunnellers. I'll be ready for them."

By yesterday (Tuesday) the atmosphere had become a little more hectic - with smaller exhibitors and the societies setting up in the vast marquees.

But on Monday it was the turn of professionals like Bridgemere Garden Centre that impressed with their plan for a meditteranean garden and as a result were honoured with the centre piece spot. Built around genuine Spanish, Italian and French pillars, arches and beams, the design of the exquisite flowers reflected a slow movement from cool to warm.

Only designer Carol Adams couldn't be there to see her garden grow - for she had just had a baby. "I think she will make it," said colleague Diana Purslow.

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