Dyffryn Gardens joins Cerys Matthews in backing plant health campaign WELSH singer Cerys Matthews is backing a new Welsh Government Plant Health campaign to enhance our enjoyment of the garden and adopt best practice to control the spread of pests and diseases. The physical and mental health benefits of planting and growing are well understood, and as spring approaches our thoughts turn to our precious gardens, as people across Wales make their planting plans and purchases for the growing season ahead. Plant enthusiast and famous singer, songwriter, author and broadcaster Cerys Matthews is backing a Welsh Government campaign to offer advice and guidance to enhance our enjoyment of the garden, by sourcing plants carefully, inspecting them on arrival to detect and control the spread of pests and diseases, and adopting good husbandry practices.
THREE businesses that support horticulture in Wales have come out top in the Tyfu Cymru training awards. The worthy winner of the award this year is Hootons Homegrown (Anglesey), with two runners-ups Seiont Nurseries (Gwynedd) and Puffin Produce (Pembrokeshire). The awards recognise the significant contribution to the horticulture industry in Wales. The accolade is part of the Lantra land-based learner awards, and recognises the top horticulture businesses in Wales for outstanding commitment to continuous professional development. Hootons Homegrown is a family farm proudly producing homegrown Anglesey fruit and vegetables and rear their own livestock. The Hooton family have evolved their business over many years, from a farm growing cereals and potatoes to today’s collection of enterprises which not only comprises of a farm growing an extensive range of vegetables and fruit but also livestock that supply their two farm shops and café.