THE tending of his Cardigan garden with wife Margaret comes as second nature to Alun Lewis with his farming background.

Growing a wide variety of flowers is a labour of love for the couple of Heol Hafod and their devotion to the soil has borne fruit with first prize in the annual Tai Ceredigion Individual Sheltered Garden floral competition.

Alun, who had to give up farming on medical grounds, and Margaret won second prize last year but have gone one better this time around.

Praising the Heol Hafod flowers, the judges said: “This was a super display and well-watered.”

The front garden also gives pleasure to neighbours and passers-by, many of whom have expressed their admiration.

As they proudly showed off their first prize certificate, Alun said: “We are absolutely over the moon. We enjoy growing flowers and winning is the icing on the cake.”