Talgarth’s second handcart rally attracts crowds for its stunning floral display
Crowds flocked to Talgarth town center on Saturday (June 24) to watch an impressive gathering of flowered barrows, in the city’s second barrow rally.
The gathering was held as part of the Big Garden Weekend (June 24-25).
Organized by Grow for Talgarth, with participation from other local groups, including Talgarth Walking Festival Group, Tuesday Lunch Club and many others, the competition attracted a record 27 entries in three categories from local streets, hamlets, clubs, organizations and individuals.
The three categories were: “Bee Friendly,” “A Splash of Color,” and “Eat Your Heart Out” – the edible section.
The judging panel were: beloved gardener and local farmer Bill Devereux, Talgarth Mayor, Cllr Louise Elston Reeves and Hugh Lewis from the Old Railway Line Garden Centre.
After much deliberation, the overall winner was announced – “Trewalkin’” by Margaret Stevens.
There was also great interest in children’s competitions, as the number of entries in the city hall reached more than 50, divided into three categories:
“Container Gardens” – to show how any container can be turned into a mini garden. The winner was Erin Thomas.
It was a very popular class with the pupils of Ysgol y Mynydd Du.
The other categories were won by Eden May and Holly Evans – ‘Bee Garden’ along with ‘Make a Sunflower’ – for best handmade sunflower.
Finally, the ‘Insect Photography’ category was very popular, where a photo of any invertebrate, insect, beetle or butterfly was taken – with the winner being Celt Scott Walker.
Grow for Talgarth Little Winners (Talgarth Collection and regeneration of the area)
Finally, 14 local residents, from Talgarth and the surrounding area, opened their gardens during the two-day event, attracting more than 100 locals and visitors.
The popular Grow for Talgarth ‘pocket gardens’ were also on display.
Freshly cooked Welsh cakes and delicious cream tea were served by volunteers at the town hall on Sunday and enjoyed by many.
Left: The award-winning entry from “Brutee’s Bees,” including a hotel dedicated to bees. Right: Malcolm Dodds admires Tylwith Teague – the wheelbarrow fairy (Talgarth Collection and regeneration of the area)
Commenting on the event, Mayor Louise Elston Reeves said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be part of the judging team for the Grow for Talgarth Wheelbarrow competition.
“The standard was amazing in all three categories and judging the 27 planted barrows was a really challenging task.
“Congratulations to the overall winners, Trewalkin, for their amazing show. I must also say a huge thank you to everyone who supported Big Garden Weekend 2023.”
