Crowds flocked to Talgarth town centre on Saturday (June 24) to see an impressive rally of floral wheelbarrows, in the town’s second Wheelbarrow Rally.

The rally was held as part the Big Garden Weekend (June 24-25).

Organised by Grow for Talgarth, with the involvement of other local groups, including Talgarth Walking Festival Group, Tuesday Lunch Club and many others, the competition attracted a record 27 entries in three categories from local streets, hamlets, clubs, organisations and individuals.

The three categories were: ‘Bee Friendly’, ‘A Splash of Colour’ and ‘Eat Your Heart Out’ - the edible section.

The panel of judges were: much loved gardener and local grower Bill Devereux, Talgarth Mayor, Cllr Louise Elston-Reeves and Huw Lewis of the Old Railway Line Garden Centre.

After much deliberation, the overall winner was declared - ‘Trewalkin’ by Margaret Stephens.

There was also strong interest in the children’s competitions, with more than 50 entries at the town hall, divided into three categories:

‘Container Gardens’ - to demonstrate how any container could be turned into a mini garden. The winner was Erin Thomas.

It was a very popular category with Ysgol y Mynydd Du pupils.

Further categories, ‘Bee Garden,’ alongside ‘Create A Sunflower’ - for the best sunflower crafted by hand, were won by Eden-May and Holly Evans respectively.

Finally, the ‘Bug Photography’ category proved popular, for a photo taken of any invertebrate, insect, beetle or butterfly - and the winner was Celt Scott Walker.

Grow for Talgarth junior winners at Talgarth Wheelbarrow Rally
Grow for Talgarth junior winners (Talgarth and District Regeneration Group)

Finally, 14 local residents, from Talgarth and its surrounding area, kindly opened their gardens up over the two-day event, attracting more than 100 locals and visitors.

The popular Grow for Talgarth ‘pocket gardens’ were also on show.

Freshly cooked Welsh cakes and delicious cream teas were served by volunteers in the town hall on Sunday and enjoyed by many.

Talgarth Wheelbarrow Rally
Left: The prize-winning entry from ‘Brutee’s Bees,’ including a dedicated bee hotel. Right: Cllr Malcolm Dodds admiring Tylwyth Teg - The Fairy Wheelbarrow (Talgarth and District Regeneration Group)

Commenting on the event, Cllr Louise Elston-Reeves, Mayor, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be part of the judging team at the Grow for Talgarth Wheelbarrow competition.

“The standard was amazing in all three categories and the judging of 27 planted wheelbarrows was a really difficult task.

“Congratulations to the overall winners, Trewalkin, with their stunning display. I must also say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the Big Garden Weekend 2023.”