Albert Square blossoms: 12-29 June

Eighteen days in summer: more than 1000 hours of the greening of Albert Square. How bloody good is that.

The Manchester Garden Market is the place to be over the next two weeks or so for the green-fingered fraternity, or for anybody who just wants to bask amongst beds of colour in the city centre. This is the second year the market will cater for gardeners and revellers alike when Albert Square blossoms with thousands of exotic flowers, plants and trees.

And Manchester Confidential is getting involved too. Alongside other businesses we'll be showing off with a sweet space created in partnership with Hulme Community Garden Centre. This award winning bunch have put together an oasis based on the theme of food – many of the plants will be edible.

And Manchester Confidential is getting involved too. Alongside other businesses we'll be showing off with our own sweet space created in partnership with Hulme Community Garden Centre. This award winning bunch have put together an oasis based on the theme of food – many of the plants will be edible. This reflects Confidential's position as the best place, online or in print in this city, for sharp, accurate and impartial food and drink reviews.

And let's not forget our dear Dutchman, Dirk.

Dirk 'the Flowerman' (if that's his real surname, it's a lovely coincidence given his job) will be on hand with his huge selection of quality plants and garden supplies. These include flowers such as sundavilles, daisies, jasmines and fuchsias, as well as Japanese maples and palms. He'll have his own display garden, like Confidential, called From around the World with lots of exotic species.

Drinks and nosh comes via the MGM Bavarian Beer Garden (open until 8pm). This will supply German and locally produced ales, a hog roast, BBQ, paella, pancakes and ice cream. There's also a tea garden which will be serving up summer punches and Pimms decorated with edible flowers, plus Champagne cocktails, high tea, coffees and cakes.

Then there's the usual gift market packed with some interesting pressies – you're really going to need a rest in the Confidential Garden of Delights.

To encourage people to scoot along to the Garden Market, Manchester Confidential has five £50 vouchers to give away for you to spend on plants.

Manchester Garden Market, Albert Square runs from 12 – 29 June and is open everyday from 10.30 am -7 pm (Beer Garden until 8 pm).