THOUSANDS of visitors are due to descend on Strathclyde Park in Lanarkshire from today for Scotland's National Gardening Show.
The inaugural event last year attracted around 50,000 people and this year's show, backed by The Herald, is set to be even bigger, with about 60,000 people expected over the weekend.
The three-day extravaganza, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, has already been dubbed the ''Chelsea Flower Show of the north''.
Police have organised a major traffic management scheme to deal with the thousands of vehicles expected to pour into the area in a bid to avoid the rush-hour motorway chaos of last year.
Special road signs have been put in place on all approaches to Strathclyde Park.
The start of the event has been delayed until 11am today to avoid peak-time traffic and shuttle buses and free park and ride facilities have been set up to help reduce congestion.
Almost 350 exhibitors are taking part, an increase of 35%, and the organisers expects this year's event to generate a #6m for the economy, with further benefits for growers, nurseries, and garden centres in the months ahead.
Mr Stephen Bennett, shows director with the Royal Horticultural Society, said: ''Last year we made a major impact in terms of promoting the RHS and the horticulture, landscape and gardening industry, as well as creating a major new event for Scotland.
''This year we are building on that success. There are more exhibitors and gardens than ever, and an estimated 70,000 plants, flowers, and shrubs have transformed the magnificent lochside setting with the very best in horticulture.
''Six marquees house floral exhibits from the length and breadth of the country, with almost 40% of the horticultural content coming from Scottish contributors this year.
''Add to this the stunning display gardens, plant and craft villages, petits jardins and a new question and answer theatre, and it is hardly surprising that the show is attracting people from all walks of life, regardless of whether they are experts, gardening enthusiasts, amateur gardeners, or visitors who simply want to enjoy a good day out.''
Scottish show manager Susan Oliver said: ''The opening time on the first day has been moved back to 11am in order to avoid any conflict with rush-hour traffic. There will also be vehicle access to the north and south side of the country park this year and improved park and ride facilities.
''If drivers follow the event road signs then they will arrive at the showground without the frustration of long traffic queues.''
A spokesman for the organisers added: ''A great deal of planning has gone into the traffic management to ensure that this year visitors can get to the show without enduring anything similar to what happened last year, given that last year's event was completely new.
''The gates open at 11am, so even if people come in good time they will be well clear of people going to work.''
Lord Sewel, Scottish Agriculture Minister, yesterday gave his backing to the show.
He said: ''I very much enjoyed my visit to the inaugural show last year and I am glad that this year it has attracted a 30% increase in exhibitors, a trend which I hope will continue in future years, particularly among Scottish interests.
''The show looks set to become a real hardy annual in the Scottish gardening calendar and I wish it every success.''
Superintendent Alistair Anderson, who is co-ordinating traffic management for Strathclyde Police, said: ''Provided drivers follow the event road signs carefully and plan their arrival to avoid peak-period traffic then they will arrive safely and without the frustration of sitting in long traffic queues, ready to enjoy what I am sure will be a most enjoyable day.''
Shuttle buses will operate from both Hamilton and Airbles railway stations and a free park and ride facility will be available from Hamilton racecourse. Both the north and south entrances to Strathclyde Park will be open to vehicles.
The show is open from 11am to 7pm today, 10am to 6pm tomorrow, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, when it is due to end with a discount sale of 70,000 flowers and plants.
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