After a tentative return last year, Wales in Bloom 2022 was back in full force with some incredible award-winning floral displays on offer.

Grow for Talgarth were the hosts for this year’s ceremony, held last weekend, and put on a showstopping welcome. The team in Mid Wales put on a hosting masterclass, with the town awash with fabulous floral displays, to the delight of visitors.

The past month or so has presented its own challenges for those with green fingers. Gardeners have struggled to keep their displays flowering through the hot spell, but residents, visitors and judges have once again been treated to some spectacular displays - testament to the hard work put in across Welsh communities.

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

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.”

A tribute and a minute of silence was held for the late HRH Queen Elizabeth II, followed by an address by the chairman of Wales in Bloom, Peter Barton-Price.

“Today is a celebration of a whole year’s commitment and effort,” he said.

“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.”

Local lads and award-winning designers and TV celebrity gardeners Harry and David Rich were on hand to present winners with their RHS medals and plaques.

In the class for Large Towns, both Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay retained their Gold awards, although this year in a turnaround Colwyn Bay just pipped Prestatyn for first place.

In the Town Class the standards were raised again with Denbigh, Abergavenny and Ystradgynlais all receiving Gold awards and Holywell getting a Silver Gilt. Denbigh retained the title for best Town in Wales.

The class for Small Towns saw Ystrad Mynach winning the class with a Silver Gilt award.

The class for Large villages is always a hard-fought battle - and it was no different this year with Talgarth and Usk both receiving Gold Awards. The displays were so close that the judges could not separate them and for the first time they shared the title.

Rosie Williams and Gaynor Weavers of Grow for Talgarth were overjoyed.

“It’s overwhelming and it’s taken our breath away,” they said. “To maintain our run of being best in Wales is immense as is representing Wales in Britain in Bloom.”

Janet Munday of Usk in Bloom said: “I am totally speechless. It’s nice to be back on top. This is the 39th time we have won, that is some record to keep up.”

There was yet more success for Brecon and Radnorshire is the Village category. Llanwrtyd Wells received Silver Gilt in second place behind Matthern, Mounton and Pwllmeyric who struck Gold in first position.

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 closing, Mr Barton-Price 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.”

• Photo courtesy of Alyson Tippins