Following informal discussions with exhibitors the North of England Horticultural Society is launching a new category for the horticultural nurseries.

"Nurseries can be reluctant to try something new in case the judges don't like it," said Show Director Roger Brownbridge.

"However our visitors' enjoyment is paramount and as show organisers it is important that we offer them a fresh experience each time, otherwise they may not bother coming back."

With that in mind the society hopes to encourage more adventurous and innovative displays on a particular theme – this year, Yorkshire.

"We are delighted that 16 nurseries have accepted the challenge and we are looking forward to seeing their interpretation of the inaugural theme," said Mr Brownbridge.

Another new feature at the Great Yorkshire Showground will be the Bradstone College Garden Design area, occupying a prominent position in the plant societies' and garden design marquee.

Sponsored by Bradstone, it will feature seven show gardens built by college garden design students from Askham Bryan, York; Askham Bryan, Harrogate, Bishop Burton; Craven College; Leeds Metropolitan University; Leeds Park Lane and the University of Lincoln.

The colleges have been given details of imaginary families covering a wide age range, and asked to design a small back garden to suit the occupants' lifestyles.

"We want to show that good design doesn't have to be exorbitantly expensive or outrageous," said Mr Brownbridge.

"Our aim is to encourage design that is innovative as well as practical, hence all entrants have been asked to accommodate a wheelie-bin and some seating and we look forward to some imaginative solutions.

"Hopefully the ideas incorporated in the gardens will let visitors see that employing a garden designer is not an extravagance, but a good investment, particularly in a small space."

Teams from colleges in the north will also be taking part in the regional heats for the UK Landscape Skills Challenge 2008.

But it is not all about design, visitors can also enjoy the daffodil and tulip shows, while new plants are also promised from some of the 100 top nurseries exhibiting at the show from April 24-27.