Sandringham surrendered to a riot of colour last night as the finishing touches were put to today's flower show.

More than 20,000 are expected to pack on to the Royal Estate for one of Norfolk's best-loved summer spectaculars.

They include Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, continuing the strong links between the show and the Royal Family, who launched the event in 1866 to encourage tenants to look after their gardens.

Hundreds of stalls offering everything from plants to home-made fudge, from produce to designer pots, stretch across Sandringham Park in a glorious sprawl.

Crowds line the route of the Royal walkabout – a much-loved tradition, where the Prince and Duchess greet well-wishers after touring the grand marquees.

When the Royal couple depart, thousands follow in their footsteps admiring exhibits.

One of the most popular attractions each year is the show gardens competition. Both large and small gardens compete for the coveted EDP Best in Show award, judged by TV gardeners Chris Beardshaw and Alan Mason.

Gardeners start with a bare plot of earth five days before the show. Many work through the night to bring their designs to fruition.

Each year sees an eclectic mix, on part of the show ground many turn to for inspiration on how to make the most of their own gardens.

Anna Linford and John Harrison have adopted working with nature for the theme of their small garden, aiming to show how a smaller plot can be both decorative and practical.

Herbs and strawberries peep from a growing wall made from recycled pallet.

Next door their children Charles and Heather are believed to be the youngest ever to compete. The brother and sister, aged 14 and 12 respectively, are assisted by schoolfriend Morgan Lee, creating an Olympic-themed garden called Growing for Gold.

Guy Ormes, from GRO Landscapes and New Shoots – aka Sally Ives and Sue Holland – complete the line-up for the small show gardens.

A willow helicopter swoops over John Shone's garden, designed as a tribute to the air ambulance.

Aylsham-based Woodgate Nursery have a replica pub on their plot, with a garden which echoes the Tudor theme.

Stellenbosch, John Farley's garden, is inspired by a visit to the famous South African wine-growing region.

Emily Louise Smith, who built a show garden every summer at Sandringham while studying a degree in landscape architecture, uses her garden to focus on the plight of the humble bumble bee.

Shadows Gardens take us on a flight of fantasy, with a playhouse where childhood dramas are enacted.

As well as the official judging, show-goers can vote for their favourite in the people's choice awards.

This year, a special exhibition celebrating the flower show's royal heritage will be on show in the Royal Marquee. Compiled by EDP librarian Rosemary Dixon, it includes rarely-seen pictures and archive material from years gone by.

Main ring attractions include heavy horses, the Bolddog Lings motorcycle display team, the Essex dog display team, the Kangaroos gymnastic team and freefall parachutists The Tigers. Exhibitors include rural craftsmen and a feast of Norfolk produce.

Gates open at 9am and the show goes on all day. Admission is �9 adults, under-16s free. Parking is free.

chris.bishop@archant.co.uk