Top exhibitors at Scotland’s leading gardening show are set to be in line for a prestigious new award. The Premier Gold award, which will be introduced at next year’s show, will carry a prize value of £500 and will be awarded to exhibitors creating outstanding displays. At the same time a Best New Plant award will be introduced, also with a £500 prize value.

This will provide an opportunity for nurseries to promote a new plant or recent cultivar and have it judged by five top industry experts with specialist knowledge of garden plants and their commercial value.

Martin Dare, organiser of Gardening Scotland says: “Gardening Scotland attracts the cream of the UK’s nurseries and growers and it is the first chance for the public to take home some of the newest plant introductions.“We have introduced these awards as a way of recognising those exhibitors who create exceptional displays or who use the show to launch brilliant new plants.”

Almost 400 exhibitors take part in Scotland’s national gardening and outdoor living show, which attracts 40,000 visitors over three days.

As well as plant sales Gardening Scotland includes Show Gardens, advice and demonstrations, a craft marquee, a food fayre and lots more.

Gardening Scotland 2012 will take place from Friday, 1 June until Sunday, 3 June at The Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh.

Advance tickets are priced from £12.