NEWPORT’S gardens and environmental projects are proving themselves to be blooming marvellous.

The city has won Wales in Bloom’s city competition for the third year running, beating the capital Cardiff into second place.

It also received a gold award for its floral displays - based upon the gold standard established by the Royal Horticultural Society.

The city was recognised for the quality and design of its planting of the 200,000 plants grown in its nurseries, and 1500 hanging baskets.

Council grounds and countryside services manager David Morris said the city had beaten Cardiff by the biggest ever margin.

He said each year the city competition comes down to Cardiff and Newport Ð and added that the capital city was a tough act to beat.

He said: “Their flower displays and parks are brilliant - and every year it gets harder to win.”

Although the flower displays and parks of the city are judged, Mr Morris says it is only a small part of the modern competition - which now looks at overall environmental issues as well.

Cities are judged on how they engage the community in environmental projects, what people themselves are encouraged to do in their own gardens and allotments and how well the area is tackling graffiti.

“Our work with schools is a strong part for us,” he said. “The judges are aware that we established the Newport in Bloom competition to also help out schools with their environmental education.”

The gold award is the first to be awarded to the city.

Stephen Davison, head of public protection and environment services at Newport City Council, said: “The award of our first gold medal demonstrates the pride and professionalism that we strive to reach in local authority horticulture.”

Wales in Bloom also awarded second place to Chepstow in it’s small town trophy. Abergavenny received a merit.