Top plantsmen and women are getting ready to meet the public and sell their flowers, shrubs and trees at one of the most popular garden events in the county.

Creake Abbey's Plant Lovers' Day takes place on Saturday and, now in its eighth year, is set to welcome 30 specialist plant nurseries offering a stunning array of specimens.

From a three-foot tall pure white Star of Bethlehem from Monksilver Nursery to ornamental grasses from Hoecroft Plants as well as a huge range of beautiful English country garden staples visitors will be spoilt for choice.

New for this year are Escape Project and Friends of Swaffham Orchard. The Friends of Swaffham Orchard, a Heritage Lottery Funded project led by Family Action, promotes gardening, food growing and traditional skills through the regeneration of the Swaffham Community Orchard, and will be selling a wide variety of quality fruit trees.

Also new are Riverside Bulbs who offer visitors unusual and varied bulbs for all planting seasons. Its high quality, large bulbs are sourced from the best English and Dutch growers.

Norfolk Estate Fencing, the metal work specialists, are bringing beautifully made plant supports and obelisks adorned with flowers by Floribunda.

Jim Paine of Walnut Tree Garden Nursery at Rocklands, near Attleborough, has been selling plants at the event since the first one.

'There is a complete spectrum of people who come from those who are very knowledgeable and experienced to the complete novices - it is a show for everybody.

'We like to bring new varieties and something different. We have a new illumination series of foxglove that made quite an impact at Chelsea last week.

'People like something different and that they have not seen before and Creake Abbey is a fantastic place to find that.

'The important thing about Creake Abbey is that the nursery men will be there themselves and sharing real expertise so you can get some top quality advice, whether it is on pruning roses or which plants are best for your garden - they can answer all your questions.'

Creake Abbey founder, Diana Scott, said she was excited about this year's fantastic line-up.

'It is a veritable feast for the eyes and garden, a wonderful day out,' she said.

* Doors open at 10am and close at 4pm. Entrance is £3 and there is no charge for children under 16. Refreshments will be on sale from the café and in the main barn.

* Once again, profits from the day will go to Wells Community Hospital.

* For more information visit www.creakeabbey.co.uk or www.creakeabbeycafe.com or telephone 01328 730399.