TICKETS are now on sale for a new kind of roadshow - the first ever organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

It will be held from April 11 to April 13, not too far from home, at the Bournemouth International Centre.

This will be a unique opportunity for keen gardeners to buy rare and unusual plants, many of which are not obtainable from local garden centres.

The RHS Plant Roadshow is a new event in the gardening calendar and, if it is a success, it may be repeated in future years.

It is part of the expanding range of RHS events being held in various parts of the UK.

At least 25 of Britain's leading plant nurseries will be taking part in the Bournemouth show.

Many of the exhibitors are from the south, including Southampton-based Hampshire Carnivorous Plants and Avon Bulbs from Somerset, both of which are Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winners.

Other highlights will include displays of miniaturre daffodils from Broadleigh Gardens of Taunton, the National Plant Collection holders of Alec Grey hybrid daffodils.

Sadlers Nursery of Lymington will be showing some of their top quality plants and Pops Plants of Salisbury will be exhibiting their exquisite flowering alpines.

As well as top quality plants, it will also be possible to buy all sorts of gardening sundries, from pottery and tools to books and clothing.

Gardening inspiration will also be on offer. The RHS advisory team will be there throughout the show, dispensing friendly advice.

Visitors are invited to ask about their own gardening problems and to bring in 'problem plants' that require an expert diagnosis!

Tony Dickerson of the RHS Advisory Service said: "This is an excellent opportunity to share the benefit of one-to-one advice with everyone who comes to the show."

Tickets for the show cost £6 if bought in advance (£5 for RHS members). All tickets bought on the day will cost £7.

To book tickets call the box office on 01202 456 456 or go to www.rhs.org.uk or www.bic.co.uk

The Bournemouth International Centre is at Exeter Road, Bournemouth and is well signposted.

Opening hours for the roadshow are: Friday, April 11, 1pm to 5pm; Saturday, April 12, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, April 13, 10am to 5pm.

"We are delighted that Bournemouth is to host the first RHS Plant Roadshow," said Stephen Bennett, the RHS director of shows.

It's a vibrant town with lots of keen gardeners and an impressive record in the Britain in Bloom competition.

"The Plant Roadshow will combine all the key elements of what the RHS is all about: inspirational shows and practical, expert and friendly advice. Don't miss it!"

Gardens to visit in April

The Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Wisley are just north of Guildford. They are open daily, from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Wisley has its own restaurant, shop and plant centre. Tel 01483 211113 for admission prices and more details.

Compton Acres at Poole - Eleven separate gardens in a ten-acre site with spectacular views over Poole Harbour and many spring flowers. Follow signs from Bournemouth or Poole, or call 01202 700778 for more detailed directions. Refreshments are available. The gardens are open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Exbury Gardens, at Exbury, near Beaulieu, are internationally famous for their collections of camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias. They are open from 10.30am to 5.30pm, every day until November. Refreshments are available. For information, please call 023 8089 1203 or go to www.exbury.co.uk

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum, near Romsey, are open daily from 10.30am until dusk. It's a lovely place to visit in March and April, with many spring flowers. Refreshments are available. The gardens are three miles north east of Romsey, between Ampfield and Braishfield. There are brown tourist signs directing you from the A3090 Winchester to Romsey road and from the A3057 Stockbridge to Romsey road. For further information, please call 01794 368787 or visit www.hillier.hants.gov.uk