ABERGAVENNY has been awarded a gilt silver medal in the town category of the 2018 Wales in Bloom competition with judges commenting on the hard work and skill that has gone into ensuring the town remains ‘Very clean and well maintained.’

Judges met a number of voluntary groups including Community Orchard, Friends of Castle Meadows, Friends of Abergavenny Library, Friends of Linda Vista Gardens, Abergavenny Community Centre Growing Space Project, and pupils at Our Lady’s Saint Michael’s Primary School, Friends of Bailey Park, St Mary’s Gardeners, and representatives from local town businesses.

Judges were particularly impressed with pupils of Our Lady’s Saint Michael School who were described as inspiring for their gardening achievements, knowledge and enthusiasm.

Areas of Achievement highlighted by judges included ‘colourful and vibrant’ hanging baskets, raised planters and containers along the town centre thoroughfares erected by the numerous businesses and the Town Council.

Also impressive were the continued advancement of the Community Orchard with the introduction of the new wildlife pond and interpretation panel which compliments the previous success in attracting external funding from Tesco ‘Bags for Help’ initiative.

Castle Meadows recent collaboration with the local Brownies pack and other groups who planted the new ‘A&B’ flower bed and planted the bee friendly wild flower meadow also came in for praise.

Other highlights mentioned included, Friends of Abergavenny Library and Victoria Street Gardens who adopted and refurbished the raised bed and areas around the library which has seen a transformation of the area into a green and colourful part of town.

The sponsored trees in the arboretum in Linda Vista Garden, continue to thrive with the maintenance provided by the volunteers on this site.

The Civic Societies raised planters around the town. The Community Growing Space at the Abergavenny Community Centre was an inspiration to see and learn about, a great asset to the town.

The floral displays within Cibi Walk were of a high standard and very colourful and increased the visitors shopping experience while walking through this area. St Mary’s Rose garden is a beautiful location in the town for shoppers and the like to relax.

In the large village category Usk in Bloom maintained its record, claiming a gold award for first prize.

Usk in Wales Primary School also took third prize in the school garden class, with Raglan Primary being awarded a certificate of recognition.