Tenby in Bloom chairman, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane will be hoping that everything in the garden looks rosy over the next few weeks as everyone gears up for a blooming busy season.

Launching this year’s Tenby in Bloom competition this week Sue said that, while the town was not participating in national Bloom competitions this year she was still urging people to pull out all the stops to help Tenby keep its famous reputation as the floral seaside resort of Wales.

“While Pembrokeshire County Council do their best maintaining the standards of the town’s public gardens and keeping the streets clean and tidy, it is no secret that continuing budget cuts are making it increasingly difficult for them to maintain things the way they, and the town, would like,” said Sue.

Sue explained that unfortunately the County Council have had to make further cuts this year which were sadly worse than initially anticipated and the town council and Tenby in Bloom have been working together to provide funding to purchase flowering shrubs for several floral areas to help reduce bedding costs and assist with ongoing maintenance.

“As a result, Tenby in Bloom decided not to enter national Wales and Britain in Bloom competitions again this year, as we need to secure our standards at a sustainable level before we can think about entering again,” she continued.

That does not mean however, that Tenby in Bloom is going to allow standards to slip.

“The criteria for ‘in Bloom’ competitions are steep. They don’t just include the floral displays they include environmental issues, street cleanliness, landscaping, conservation, recycling and public participation and awareness,” Sue continued.

“These are things we need to continue to work hard together to improve to enhance the town and just because we’re not in a competition, Tenby in Bloom is not going to slack off.”

She explained that, as part of this process, Tenby in Bloom have paid for a new fence to be erected around Gilroy Phillips garden in South Cliff Gardens.

“First impressions are vital to our economy,” stressed Sue.

“If everyone can help just a little bit it will go a long way to present the right image.”

In addition to those working on Plastic Free Tenby, and the numerous unsung individuals who each do their own little bit, picking up litter while out dag walking etc, Sue added that a number of people had also answered her appeal for volunteers doing things like looking after the Rotary Gardens, The Green, a sitting out area in Seascape, the South and North Beach zig-zags, or helping to litter pick Penniless Cove and the harbour area but more are needed.

“This year we all need to continue to play our part more than ever,” stressed Sue.

Tenby in Bloom’s objectives are promotion, improvement and understanding of horticultural, environmental, eco and floral issues for the benefit of the general public while at the same time raising awareness and interest throughout the schools.

For the sixth successive year the Tenby family of schools (those that feed into Greenhill School) have come on board and altogether, nearly 1500 Tenby in Bloom posters have been delivered to the schools and local playgroups.

“This year Tenby in Bloom is working alongside Tenby Fire Station to promote the 100th Anniversary of Carnivals in Tenby.” said Sue.

“All the poster winners will be displayed at Tenby Fire Station.”

Tenby in Bloom has also looked to promoting innovative floral displays, like the bicycle flower planters that welcomed CARTEN100 to the town (and will again be out for Long Course Weekend and Ironman) and supporting PCC’s Seagull Proof Bag scheme.

However, at the heart of helping to keep the town attractive is the effort everyone makes for the annual Tenby in Bloom competition.

“Please feel free to enter the Tenby in Bloom competition this year,” said Sue.

“There is a competitive element in that there are trophies awarded, but everyone has a certificate featuring their own floral displays and a silver, silver gilt or gold award to keep so there is really nothing to lose. And the better your displays the better and more appealing the town looks.”

The competition has resulted in very high standards of displays in recent years and Sue hopes this will long continue.

“The hanging baskets have been a big success and every little bit helps,” she commented.

“This year we’re asking local traders to support us by having special window displays for the floral events.

“The pubs, restaurants and hotels always give their full support with their window boxes and hanging basket displays so it would be great if other traders in the town could come on board too.”

She continued: “Our Tenby in Bloom competitors, both private individuals and businesses, are a real credit to the town. They work tirelessly year after year to provide us with spectacular results, and then allow our judges into their cherished gardens.

“We really admire them and urge them to keep on making Tenby a brighter and tidier place, and we’d like to thank everyone who keeps this up year after year.

“We would like to offer a big thank you to all our sponsors past and present and all the local individuals, organisations and businesses that have offered, and continue to offer, their financial or physical support,” Sue added.

“By all locals, organisations and businesses pulling together in this way we can show the world what we who live here already know, Tenby is blooming great!”

Judging for the Tenby in Bloom contest will take place on Wednesday, July 17.

Anyone who thinks they can help in any way with weeding, painting etc., is asked to please contact Sue on 01834 845680.