GARDEN centres are back and blooming across Wales today.

Following the latest lockdown easing measures, customers can return to garden centres from March 22.

Pictures show many keen people at local centres today as spring arrives in Flintshire and Wrexham.

Welsh Government says that garden centres can remain open as long as they take all reasonable measures to minimise the spread of the virus.

This includes enforcing the rule of social distancing, wearing a face covering (unless exempt) and access to sanitising stations.

Bellis Brothers, in Holt, were one of many across the country that happily welcomed back green-fingered gardeners for the first time in 2021.

Elizabeth Bellis-Marks said she was delighted to be welcoming customers back.

She said: “Gardening is important for peoples mental and physical wellbeing particularly during a lockdown. We are also happy to be able to support our plant growers and suppliers whose businesses rely on garden centres being open.

“We continue to work hard to make sure we are a safe place for people to visit with lots of open spaces and restrictions in place. It is just fantastic for people to be able to get back out into their gardens and enjoying the warmer spring weather.”

Since the lockdown, first imposed at Christmas, Bellis’ have been running a click and collect service.

Their farm shop and butchers have been open for essential shopping needs but the on-site restaurant remains closed in line with current Welsh Government restrictions.

Over in Flintshire, The Woodworks Garden Centre in Mold also welcomed back plenty of customers too.

Garden centre manager Iwan Gwyn said the team is “thrilled” to have reopened after the most recent lockdown in Wales.

He continued: “We’ve been busy making lots of changes during this time, such as redesigning The Mill to really showcase the garden products in all their glory.

“Kathy and the team have packed the Outdoor Plant Area full of perennials, spring flowers, bedding plants, a full range of ornamental and fruit trees, as well as soft fruit, shrubs, hedging and roses from our local supplier.

“We’ve expanded the Garden Emporium and stock an even larger selection of garden tools to get your garden looking its best again, and now we've opened The Woodworks Food Shop filled with produce from companies such as Two Farmers crisps, Dylans Sauces, Stag Crackers, Bridges Condiments and Odysea oils and Balsamic vinegar.

“There’s also been lots of developments in The Woodworks Café and although they can't reopen just yet due to the current restrictions, heated outdoor gazebos with electric sockets have been installed so socially distanced catch-ups can be enjoyed as soon as the Government allows.

“It’s been a very busy few months and we look forward to welcoming our customers back to The Woodworks.”