A COUPLE from Bradford on Avon are preparing to show off their blooming collection of bougainvillea at the RHS Flower Show in Wales.

Charles and Patricia Clarke, from Westdale Nurseries, will be taking their prized flowers to the Royal Horticulture Society Show in Cardiff in the hope of bagging a gold medal. The couple, who have been collecting bougainvillea from across the world, have already received silver medals at both the RHS show and the Chelsea Flower Show.

Mr Clarke said: “Flowers are a way of life for us, we love what we do and enjoy bringing colour and beauty to a dull and dreary world. We are so excited to bring our wide variety of bright and colourful plants back to the RHS Flower Show in Cardiff this spring, our first and favourite show of the season. You really couldn’t ask for a more beautiful backdrop to display at than Bute Park.”

As well as already collecting prizes in the prestigious competitions, the couple have also appeared on BBC One to showcase their collection.

“We cannot wait to let people experience why bougainvillea have developed a reputation as the world’s most versatile and colourful plant. We will bring with us an array of the Lady Mary Baring which is a bright yellow variety, as well as my favourite, the Bridal Bouquet, a white flower with pink edging, which will no doubt steal the show,” added Mr Clarke.

The RHS Flower Show is in Bute Park, Cardiff Castle, from today until Sunday. Tickets cost £10, or £9 for RHS members, in advance by visiting www.rhs.org.uk.