One Swansea business puts so much work into their annual flower displays that they help attract visitors from as far afield as Canada and Australia.
Diane and Huw Rees, who run the Crwys Farm self-catering cottage in Three Crosses on Gower, ensure the plants and flowers on show in their courtyard during the summer months leave such a positive impression that customers will often be tempted to come back for more in future.
Diane and Huw took over the Grade Two listed farmhouse in 2003 when it was in a derelict condition but they’ve since developed the historic property into an award-winning, traditional-style guesthouse that caters for up to 24 people.
A variety of potted plants and hanging baskets featuring geraniums and pagonias are among the floral treats the couple carefully prepare for the annual high tourist season to give their visitors as warm a Welsh welcome as possible.
And their endeavours haven’t gone unnoticed elsewhere in Swansea. Mr and Mrs Rees won the best new business category in the annual Swansea in Bloom awards for their first entry and went on to win the best hotel and guesthouse category last year.
Mrs Rees, a retired Burry Port Primary School teacher, said: “The main reason we decorate the courtyard with so many flowers and plants is for the visitors because it helps create a positive and welcoming impression that we hope will encourage our customers to return. It’s a lot of hard work but it’s worthwhile to see the pleasure people get from the displays.
“We’ve only just filled in for form for this year’s Swansea in Bloom but we definitely feel the pressure from having won the best hotel and guesthouse category last year.
“It’s a fantastic competition because first impressions make a big difference when people visit an area and floral displays help make a place look more cheery and inviting.
“We don’t have the time to grow the plants and flowers ourselves but we concentrate on sourcing everything for our displays in the local area.
“This helps support local traders and generates a better-looking place to live and visit.”
Swansea in Bloom is an annual competition run by Swansea Council aimed at making Swansea a more attractive place to live, work and visit.
The competition is now in its 17th year and was originally set up by a voluntary committee to encourage more floral displays in the city.
Other categories include best allotment plot, best new entrant, best pub, best restaurant, best cafe, the green gardener award, the young gardeners sunflower competition and best container garden.
Application forms are now available for Swansea in Bloom that offer people the chance to nominate either others or themselves for an award.
A deadline of Friday July 2 has been set for entries and people are encouraged to use environmentally-friendly methods.
All Swansea in Bloom entrants will receive a 10 per cent discount at the Friends of Botanics Plant Sales held every Saturday until September 25 between 10am to 2pm at the Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park.
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseainbloom for more information or call 01792 635124.
