AWARD-WINNING gardeners are preparing to represent Wales in a prestigious community horticulture competition this summer.

Denbigh in Bloom is set to compete at the 56th RHS Britain in Bloom, which will welcome the best gardening groups in public spaces in villages, towns and cities in the UK.

Just 70 groups have been selected from more than 3,000 communities and hundreds of thousands of volunteers who work year-round to improve their streets and green spaces.

The Denbigh group was awarded the best small town on its Wales in Bloom debut last year after it planted floral displays along Denbigh High Street, nearby roads and roundabouts and painted no fewer than 78 bollards.

It also carries out weekly clean-ups at Trewen and group work at Temple Bar Gardens and Vale Street.

In August, the Britain in Bloom judges will visit Denbigh to inspect the group’s work and chair Lyndsey Tasker said the competition standard is much higher this year with the chance to “put Denbigh on the map horticulturally”.

“Whilst we have understandable nerves, we are also excited and eager to show our beautiful town of Denbigh off to the judges,” said Mrs Tasker. “We have looked at a number of other entrants from all the categories and the standards of other entrants are exceptional.”

The group will update its raised beds and railing baskets along the high street, as well as its floral displays on roundabouts and in public spaces such as Temple Bar. It will also extend its work to Factory Ward and Vale Street car parks.

Other towns and villages representing Wales in the UK competition are Colwyn Bay, Mathern, Mounton and Pwllmeyric, and Usk.

“In the lead up to judging, we need extra help with litter picking, sweeping pavements, washing down bollards, bins and also deadheading the planters,” Mrs Tasker added.

“Denbigh in Bloom volunteers have all agreed to just carry on as normal and not put too much pressure on ourselves.

The group has a volunteer plant up day for railing baskets outside homes and businesses on Tuesday, May 19, and for further floral displays on Thursday, May 21.

Darren Share, chair of the Britain in Bloom judging panel, said: “We’re noticing more towns and cities keen to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges by tapping into the benefits of urban greening, with reasons ranging from concerns about our changing climate and air pollution to turning the tide on high street decline.”

For more information on Denbigh in Bloom visit denbighinbloom.com, or to find an RHS Britain in Bloom group in your area visit www.rhs.org.uk/communities/find-a-group-search-form