With one floral inspection out of the way - the seaside village of Saundersfoot is now gearing up for another after being selected as a finalist in the 2024 RHS Britain in Bloom Finals - in the 60th anniversary year of the UK’s biggest gardening competition.
Before the ‘Britain in Bloom’ judges arrive on Tuesday, July 30, Saundersfoot in Bloom’s committee welcomed ‘Wales in Bloom’ judges, John Woods and Ian Burnett this month to take a look at the floral delights on display, and to see the hard work that volunteers, organisations, residents and businesses have been putting in through weeks of planting and painting.
The competition is judged on three main criteria - horticultural achievement, Environmental responsibility and Community participation.
Therefore, the village has to have an active commitment to conservation, biodiversity, recycling and minimise any harmful impact on the environment.
“What a day for the Wales in Bloom judges to visit and an early start from volunteers trying to make sure there wasn't a leaf out of place!“ said Julie Davies from Saundersfoot in Bloom.
“It was an absolute pleasure to show them around the village. They really don't give much away ahead of results day but definitely wrote down a lot of notes!
“We think they liked the colourful floral displays and that they were impressed with the gleaming, volunteer-painted bollards and lamp posts and that they were taken by the amazing art on the BT boxes painted by local artists, but we know they loved Litterpicking Sid in his 'Saundersfoot in Bloom' hi-viz vest and litterpicked hat and flowers - the head judge even had his photo taken with him!” she continued.
“Huge thanks as always to those that helped beforehand - fetching, carrying, weeding, cleaning, sweeping and even hoovering!
“And to the private garden and businesses we visited who welcomed the judges so enthusiastically.
“There's no time to relax though, as Britain in Bloom judges are due on July 30 so our volunteers will continue to be out and about helping to keep the village shipshape,” added Julie.
To get involved head to the Saundersfoot in Bloom Facebook page.