We know springtime is here when the daffodils are blooming, the trees burst back to life and our minds turn towards planting our gardens - it also means that the window for this year’s Wales in Bloom entries is with us.

Over the years the competition has become more of a campaign and remains such an important part of the floral calendar.

Armed with the motto - ‘Helping communities to grow’ - in addition to the traditional classes for towns and villages, there are many other sectors for businesses and community efforts.

Last year two Tenby hotels flew the floral flag for the resort, with the Giltar Hotel scooping a gold, by coming first in the ‘Hotels, Guest Houses, Public Houses and Restaurants – Frontage only’ category for the fourth year running, whilst just a little further up the road, the Atlantic Hotel picked up a Silver Gilt in the annual competition’s ‘Hotels, Guest Houses, Public Houses and Restaurants – Frontage and Grounds’ section.

Tenby once again has opted out of entering the ‘coastal resort up to 12,000’ category for the second year running, but Saundersfoot will be hoping to go one better and going for gold, after claiming a ‘silver gilt’ in the ‘Large Village’ class in last year’s contest.

Campaign Chair, Jim Goodwin said: “We hope the great Welsh public are able to support us again this year.

“We all experienced a challenging winter and it has been great to get back out into the garden and watch the shrubs and perennials waking up.

“Over the years we have had some amazing community entries and I hope we have even more community groups entering the It’s Your Neighbourhood Scheme this year.

“Wales in Bloom have teamed up with the Royal Horticultural Society who have been the force behind gardening for over 200 years, they are supporting all forms of community gardening to involve, educate and inspire millions more gardeners throughout the country.

“The ‘It’s your Neighbourhood Campaign’ will focus with on recruiting more supporters and creating links with local businesses and community groups to ensure a sustainable future for Wales in Bloom.

“I am proud of what Wales In Bloom has achieved over many years and I encourage all of the beautiful cities, towns and villages across Wales to join our campaign without delay as the closing date for entries is Friday, April 27.

“All the entries will be invited to the Awards ceremony at Colwyn Bay in September and I look forward to meeting you all there,” he added.

For full details and to download an entry form or to sign up to ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ visit www.walesinbloom.org.uk or email the Campaign Co-ordinator on [email protected].