Rose Peter's Persica, which was discovered by the late Peter Seabrook during one of his many nursery visits was awarded the Peter Seabrook Award last night at BBC Gardeners World Live.

The rose was one of over 100 new plant entries into the "Hot off the Potting Bench" display organised by Nicci and Neil Gow.

Elsewhere at the NEC event, garden designers, floral marquee exhibitors and trade stands, including British Garden Centres readied themselves to make the most of the summer weather and the 90,000 expected visitors to BBC Gardeners' World Live that runs alongside BBC Good Food Show.

British Garden Centres, sponsors of the the Live Theatre dominated the retail area in side the NEC Halls with a large stand selling plants, garden furniture and a range of Westland garden care products.

Amongst the product suppliers using the show to raise awareness of their brands, Leon Boots are raising money for Greenfingers from sales during the weekend.

The Newson Health Menopause Garden was awarded Best in Show, one of many excellent gardens that were described by the judges and the organisers as the best ever. 

There were plenty of inspirational garden ideas in the show gardens and the Beautiful Borders that visitors will be able to take home and many that any garden centres who visit can use to influence in-store displays.  Amongst them was the Showcase Garden of Glee New Product Awards judge Lilidh Matthews and her partner John Tallis.

The Best display in the Floral Marquee was awarded to Grafton Nursery for their display of everything Eucalyptus, its well worth a look for planteria inspiration if you get a chance.

And New Forest Hostas won an award for the best retail floral display with very accessible display units for their plants.

As the press evening drew to a close we met Sally-Ann putting the finishing touches to her Eco Seed Ball display which could be an ideal new product to add to sustainability and wildflower garden centre retailing.

See our full photo gallery below.