Spring has sprung, which means only one thing in Waterbeach: the world's largest hyacinth collection has opened.

The one acre field is adorned with beautiful hyacinths in a rainbow of colours.

Ely Standard: Eleanor Little, aged 18 months, at Alan Shipp's annual hyacinth open weekendEleanor Little, aged 18 months, at Alan Shipp's annual hyacinth open weekend (Image: Terry Harris)

Ely Standard: Pumpkin, aged four months, at the Hyacinth open weekend, WaterbeachPumpkin, aged four months, at the Hyacinth open weekend, Waterbeach (Image: Terry Harris)

The fresh smells and spring sunshine are proving 'a delight' for visitors this Mother's Day weekend.

The collection is the world's largest and rivals European collections of the flower, with between 240-250 different sorts.

Renowned Hyacinthus Orientalis expert, Alan Shipp, 79, gave visitors a warm welcome to his pride and joys.

Ely Standard: Alan Shipp, aged 79Alan Shipp, aged 79 (Image: Terry Harris)

Ely Standard: Alan Shipp, aged 79, is a renowned Hyacinthus Orientalis expertAlan Shipp, aged 79, is a renowned Hyacinthus Orientalis expert (Image: Terry Harris)

Ely Standard: Alan Shipp, 79, holds his annual hyacinth open weekend to let members of the public admire his collection in bloomAlan Shipp, 79, holds his annual hyacinth open weekend to let members of the public admire his collection in bloom (Image: Terry Harris)

He said: "We anticipated quite a number of people, more than usual as there is a pent-up demand. We planned for good numbers as the weather forecast has been very good.

"Our national collection is the world's largest. One of the conditions of having a collection is that you open it to the public.

"We've got small perennials for sale, ample free parking. Visitors can come in, wander where you wish among the flowers."

Ely Standard: A pretty springtime scene in WaterbeachA pretty springtime scene in Waterbeach (Image: Terry Harris)

Ely Standard: Amilia, aged 9, and Mhairi, aged 4, check out the hyacinths at Alan Shipp's farm in WaterbeachAmilia, aged 9, and Mhairi, aged 4, check out the hyacinths at Alan Shipp's farm in Waterbeach (Image: Terry Harris)

Ely Standard: At Alan Shipp's annual hyacinth open weekend in Waterbeach, 2022At Alan Shipp's annual hyacinth open weekend in Waterbeach, 2022 (Image: Terry Harris)

Ely Standard: Alan Shipp, aged 79, opens his collection of hyacinths up to visitors - younger and older - when they are in bloomAlan Shipp, aged 79, opens his collection of hyacinths up to visitors - younger and older - when they are in bloom (Image: Terry Harris)

The collection features unique hyacinths which are yet to be named and three types from the 1700s!

The event began on Saturday, March 26. Admission is £3. The postcode is CB25 9QQ.

Ely Standard: Well-behaved Pumpkin at the Hyacinth open weekend, WaterbeachWell-behaved Pumpkin at the Hyacinth open weekend, Waterbeach (Image: Terry Harris)

Ely Standard: A destination fit for Instagram - the world's largest collection of hyacinths in WaterbeachA destination fit for Instagram - the world's largest collection of hyacinths in Waterbeach (Image: Terry Harris)

Ely Standard: Close-up: One of thousands of plants in Alan's collectionClose-up: One of thousands of plants in Alan's collection (Image: Terry Harris)

Ely Standard: What a sight! Alan Shipp, aged 79, has the world's largest collection of hyacinths which have bloomed this monthWhat a sight! Alan Shipp, aged 79, has the world's largest collection of hyacinths which have bloomed this month (Image: Terry Harris)