15 August 2011Last updated at 18:24

In pictures: Shrewsbury Flower Show 2011

Thousands of visitors attended the Shrewsbury Flower Show, which took place in the Quarry Park on 12 and 13 August.

About three million blooms were on show, according to the Shropshire Horticultural Society, which organises the annual event with a committee of volunteers.

Competitions are a major part of the show and this award-winning garden by the Wrekin Housing Trust used recycled roofing and bathroom tiles to illustrate Shropshire's geology.

Gino D'Acampo at Shrewsbury Flower Festival

Flowers are obviously a major attraction for many visitors but the celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo also hit the spot for the crowds.

The TV gardener Chris Beardshaw returned to the show for the seventh successive year with gardening demonstrations and tips for adults and children.

Last year about 40,000 people attended the show, while this year advance ticket sales were up for both days.

This year was the 124th show and organisers said it was a success, with better weather than last year.

The vegetable competitions did not disappoint with the sheer size of some of the entries. Massive onions and extremely long leeks vied for the winning rosettes.

A huge steel eagle made by Shropshire firm Marche Studios made an eye-catching display in the shadow of St Chad's Church, which is currently undergoing urgent restoration work.

There has been a surge of interest in bee conservation in recent years and this was reflected in the popularity of the Shropshire Beekeeper's Association display.