Don't miss out on a blooming lovely summer

Time is running out for residents wanting the chance to make certain of a colourful summer in their homes and gardens with a little help from Swansea Council's famous hanging baskets service.

Almost 1,300 of the popular baskets have already been sold and each one will be crammed with 21 plants, featuring Surfinias and Begonias as well as a range of other colourful, user-friendly flowers.

Last year 1,500 baskets were delivered to homes and businesses along with others hoisted into position on city lamp-posts and in flower troughs in communities around the city.

The growing season has just started and deliveries are due to take place in May, with each cared-for basket able to last into October's autumn period. Each will be 35cm (14 inches) in diameter.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure Management, said: "Our hanging basket service is one of the most popular around with hundreds of residents come back to us year after year because of the quality of the service.

"Our teams will even deliver outside Swansea to communities in Neath Port Talbot, Ammanford and Llanelli. And every hanging basket comes with a 'how to care' leaflet so owners can enjoy the colours right through to early October.

"Apart from the sheer enjoyment, they are good for the environment and insect life as well."

If you're buying a hanging basket as a gift, the website offers you the option of downloading a gift certificate for the recipient.

Visit www.swansea.gov.uk/hangingbaskets to find out how to order.