KEEN horticulturalists descended upon a famous gardener’s haven for her first ever spring plant festival.

Beth Chatto, who is one of the world’s most influential plantswomen, hosted the two-day event at her gardens in Elmstead Market.

Visitors could listen to talks on gardening and go on behind the scenes tours.

There was also the chance to meet the people who manage the gardens.

Susie Bulman, marketing and events manager, said: “We haven’t had a plant festival before and we weren’t sure how it would go.

“It exceeded our expectations and we had a huge turnout and it just reflects how highly thought of Beth is.”

She added: “The plants there tend to be more unusual and I think that’s what piqued people’s interest a lot.

“The whole weekend was educational and we had a lot of people asking questions to gardeners.

“People came to learn and that’s also Beth’s legacy. She wants to teach people about gardening and she wants to inspire people.

“We hope to make it an annual event. The more you can do to get people gardening, the better. Beth was very happy.”

Mrs Chatto began her work at the Elmstead Market gardens in 1960.

The author of eight books of continues to oversee the development of the gardens, which are now managed by her granddaughter Julia Boulton.