The country's biggest garden show has enlisted the help of prisoners to help design the event.

The Department of Corrections and New Zealand Flower and Garden Show collaboration has seen prisoners build framing for the Auckland event, create artworks and help plan the on-site plant nursery.

Flower show Director Kate Hillier told Rachel Smalley the work can also help prisoners gain NZQA credits and qualifications, such as welding.

"Instead of just ripping off bottoms off metal things and re-welding them on repeatedly, they've actually being doing the most beautiful artwork. It's been really beneficial for everyone."

About 70,000 people are expected at The Trusts Arena over the five-day show.

LISTEN TO KATE HILLIER TALK WITH RACHEL SMALLEY ABOVE