The Green Flag will be flying at “Tabernacle Garden Through Time” in recognition of its environmental efforts, excellent visitor facilities, and community involvement.

After some delay, the Garden Through Time opened in September 2021 and is planted to display plants introduced at different periods of time. As large information boards explain, it is a historic burgage plot in a historic town. 

The plants were mostly donated from volunteers and garden centres in recognition of the work undertaken. The garden has been opened regularly during spring and summer on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday mornings, when a friendly volunteer is on hand. On other days and in the winter and early spring, volunteers help maintain and develop the garden. 

To the delight of visitors, a ‘Dig for Victory’ garden, was added, with the help of a Keep Wales Tidy food growing pack. 

The Queen Elizabeth Memorial area features six trees planted from the Queen’s Canopy Scheme, Jubilee roses as chosen by the late Queen to mark her silver and platinum jubilees, a Pittosporum ‘Elizabeth’ and a myrtle that adorned the late Queen’s wedding bouquet and was contained in her funeral wreath. 

To volunteers’ delight, the garden was awarded the RHS Its Your Neighbourhood Assessment award last year, achieving level 3, Advancing. This year in August 2023 it achieved a level 4, Thriving and only five points below the top level 5 of Outstanding, leaving the team something to aim for!

Joan Marsh, spokesperson for the garden, explained that the team was delighted and encouraged to receive such a positive assessment report and a green flag from Keep Wales Tidy:

“It is a new garden, that is getting established and developing in a way that promotes bio-diversity and wild life and listens to our visitors and groups of all ages, always seeking to improve and be welcoming. We love it as do our visitors from the comments shared. It is a place of peace, beauty, friendliness and inspiration from nature. It always thrills us when others share our love of the garden and this award confirmed this!”

Now in its third decade, the Green Flag Award recognises well-managed parks and green spaces in 20 countries around the world.

In Wales, the awards scheme is run by Keep Wales Tidy. Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy said:

“Free access to safe, high quality green space has never been more important. Our award-winning sites play a vital role in people’s mental and physical well-being, providing a haven for communities to come together, relax and enjoy nature.

“News that 280 parks and green spaces in Wales have achieved Green Flag Awards is testament to the hard work of hundreds of staff and volunteers. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate their success on the world stage.”

A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru .