The volunteers of Old Hall Gardens in Cowbridge were delighted to be awarded the Green Flag again this year. This is a welcome recognition of the efforts of the gardeners who usually meet there on a Thursday morning.

To achieve this award, volunteers underwent a rigorous assessment of the Gardens by an independent judge, including a detailed questionnaire about their working practices and plans for the future.

Volunteer Biga John, says: "As any gardener knows, the job is never finished! If you are a regular visitor you will have seen the recent sprucing up of the 'Dragon Garden' where children enjoy exploring the little paths that run behind the main thoroughfare. In springtime we have a wonderful display of snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils, and we are trying to increase the number of flowers each year. We are also working hard to improve the Wildflower Meadow and are grateful for a recent, anonymous donation of seeds.

"Our aim is to provide a pleasant and peaceful environment for our visitors, many of whom pass through Old Hall Gardens on a daily basis but a surprising number also come from far afield in the UK and abroad.

"The photograph (kindly taken by Billie Jones) shows a dozen of our happy band, with our Head Gardener Richard Browning holding the Flag. His professional horticultural knowledge and patient guidance are invaluable to us all.

"We are grateful to the Cowbridge Charter Trust for their continuing financial support, and for the generous donations that we have received from various individuals and organisations.

"We also appreciate the help we receive from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, who own the land. They look after the mowing and they recently came to our aid when large branches of the yew tree had broken off."

If you enjoy the gardens and would like to make a donation, towards plants, bulbs or maybe even a bench, please contact the Secretary: [email protected].