It might be spring right now, but you can still make a date with summer for Friday, 30 May because that’s when Gardening Scotland 2014 opens in Edinburgh.

The national celebration of gardening and outdoor living is now in its 15th year and for three days the grounds of the Royal Highland Centre will be transformed into a paradise for plant lovers.

More than 400 exhibitors will take part in this year’s event, offering every possible kind of gardening accessory and essential, from the latest styles in patio furniture to top quality tools, greenhouses and garden sheds.

There will be lots of practical advice on offer too, from the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society and the RHS whose marquee will host a full programme of talks, workshops and Q&A sessions.

Add to that a huge craft marquee, a food fayre and a cookery theatre with a line-up of top chefs, plus appearances on Saturday, 31 May by Scotland’s top rock bagpipe stars, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and Gardening Scotland has something for everyone.