After a tentative post covid return last year, Wales in Bloom 2022 was back in full force with some amazing Gold award winning floral displays.

Gardeners struggled to keep the displays flowering through the hot spell but residents, visitors and judges have been treated to some spectacular displays.

This was the first time since Covid that entrants were able to get back together to fund raise and work together in teams and this allowed gardeners and volunteers to produce some spectacular floral displays across Wales.

This year’s Wales in Bloom Awards Ceremony was hosted by Grow for Talgarth in Mid Wales with entrants visiting the fabulous floral displays through the village.

Welcoming the guests Rosie Williams and Gaynor Weavers of Grow for Talgarth said: “It’s been an honour and a privilege to host this prestigious event. The community have been so supportive showing that we are a true community pulling together to put on this event.

“We have had support from all groups and organisations and not just the gardening groups. There is no I in team and that really does go for us in Talgarth and all those who are part of Wales in Bloom.”

Following a tribute to and a minute’s silence in respect for her late HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Chairperson, Peter Barton-Price said: “Today is a celebration of a whole year’s commitment and effort. This year we saw each other without masks, shook each other’s hands and met together. Today is the day that we celebrate your efforts and your achievements.”

The winners received their RHS medals and the winners received their plaques from local boys, award winning designers and TV celebrity gardeners Harry and David Rich.

The fight for the best ‘Hotel Front’ is always a titanic battle not just because they are next door neighbours but because it is a family battle between father and son.

This year again both the Giltar Hotel and The Atlantic Hotel in Tenby were awarded Gold - with The Atlantic coming out on top.

George Rowlands from The Atlantic said: “Gardens are like a song you play from the ground. They make people happy and change every season.”

Meanwhile, his father Simon Rowlands of the Giltar was also one of five people handed an RHS Community Champion Certificate, with Eric Williams and Gwenda Williams of Wolfscastle also picking up one of these accolades.

The ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ entries are proving to be a great stepping stone to the main campaign.

This year there were lots of new entries some of them achieving the top award, with The Tabernacle Garden Through Time in Pembroke; and also St Oswalds Community Garden in Pembroke both recognised in this category with an ‘Advancing’ level certificate.

The climax of the ceremony was the presentation of the Norman Stewart Award, given each year to the individual or group who make an outstanding contribution to Wales in Bloom and their local entry.

This year the award was jointly presented to Rosemary Hayes of Saundersfoot and Holt Community Gardeners.

In her commendation, judges were impressed by the way Rosemary brings everyone together to make Saundersfoot a real community entry.

She also organises the local Saundersfoot in Bloom competition and Flower festival. Rosemary said the award was an “unexpected and pleasant surprise - but I don’t do it all by myself, it takes a community.”

In closing Peter Barton Price, Chair of Wales in Bloom said: “Our Award Ceremony 2022 in Talgarth was this year a reflective celebration. Whilst remembering the passing of Her Majesty the Queen it was also a reminder that life is also an achievement.

“It was, therefore, decided that the Ceremony should go ahead to recognise the hard work, commitment and dedication of all our ‘It's Your Neighbourhood’ groups and Wales in Bloom entries. I was delighted to be able to share these achievements with all present.

“I would, also, on behalf of Wales in Bloom like to congratulate Grow for Talgarth and recognise their commitment in delivering a very special and wonderful day that was enjoyed by all. We look forward to receiving next year's entries and the opportunity once again to meet with you Blooming fantastic people.”