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Community groups and gardeners from across Caerphilly county borough have been recognised at the prestigious Wales in Bloom 2025 awards.

The annual ceremony, held this year in Wrexham, celebrated the best in floral displays, community projects and sustainable gardening across the country.

Ystrad Mynach success

Gelligaer Community Council’s entry for Ystrad Mynach earned a Silver Gilt award in the Small Towns category, with judges praising the “strength of character” shown throughout the judging route.

As in previous years, local schools got together to help decorate the town with wheelbarrow floral displays.

Community allotments recognised

The Friends of Morgan Jones Park Community Allotments in Caerphilly were awarded a Silver Gilt in the allotment category, marking another strong year for the group’s work in promoting sustainable community growth.

National recognition for Caerphilly Miners Centre

The Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community – Climate Change Garden received one of just five RHS National Certificates of Distinction in the “It’s Your Neighbourhood” scheme. Judges described the compact community garden as “a gem”, praising the volunteers’ “horticultural variety” and “very high standard of maintenance”.

Other local projects

Several smaller Caerphilly projects were also recognised under the “It’s Your Neighbourhood” initiative:

Castle View Community Group, Caerphilly – Thriving level

Caerphilly and Aber Valley Ministry Area, St Martin’s Church, Caerphilly – Thriving level

Aber Valley Community Allotment – Outstanding level

Celebrating volunteers

The awards also highlighted individual achievements. Ralph Henderson, of Abertillery and Llanhilleth Community Council, was presented with an RHS Community Champion Award for his work in promoting local entries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Peter Barton Price, Chair of Wales in Bloom, said: “Wales in Bloom saw an increase in entries in 2025, with groups coming together to develop a better and more sustainable environment, creating opportunities for people to engage with their local green spaces.”

The results cap another successful year for Caerphilly county’s community gardeners, with judges noting the ongoing improvements in quality across all entries.