A plaque was given out to two west Wales residents at an annual garden party.

Carole and Pete Whittaker, from Glyn Bach Gardens received a Plant Heritage plaque on July 28.

The couple was acknowledged for their National Collection of Monarda, otherwise known as 'bee balm' or 'bergamot.' The presentation was made by Roddy Milne, head gardener, and Matthew Clegg of Picton Castle Gardens.

Plant Heritage is a national charity overseeing a plant conservation scheme.

The charity registers national plant and flower collections in an effort to conserve different species and cultivars for future generations.

The plaque was presented at the West Wales Cottage Garden Society's summer event, which is regarded as a social highlight within the gardening community.

Members from across Wales attended the occasion.

The Society encourages gardening enthusiasts. With Nick Hamilton as the president, members are privy to a quarterly garden publication, monthly garden visits with tea and cake socials, and an annual Christmas lunch.

Other national collections also received recognition.

Picton Castle was awarded National Collection status for Woodwardia, the Chain Fern and Matteuccia (Onoclea), the Shuttlecock Fern, which are now displayed within the woodland area in the castle gardens.

Near Fishguard, another National Collection owned by Diane Corbett recently grabbed the spotlight.

Her collection of Corylopsis, a variety of witch hazel, exhibits stunning pale yellow, bell-shaped flowers every spring.

All these National Collections can be viewed by the public by appointment or on open days.

They provide a unique opportunity to admire and learn about the wide variety of species and cultivars that the United Kingdom has to offer.

West Wales Willows near Llandysul, Farmyard Nurseries' Sarracenia and Primula sieboldii, Welsh apple cultivars at the National Botanic Gardens, and Asplenium near Tregaron are amongst other notable local National Collections.

For further details, please visit the Plant Heritage website.