Blooming Marvellous attraction for residents
Visitors to a new-look garden centre, coffee shop and craft shop in Trecynon are in for a blooming marvellous treat.
Maesnewydd Garden Centre is run by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's innovative Learning Curve service, which provides work-based skills and training for adults with learning disabilities.
The entire complex, which has a lovely outdoor seating area, locally-made arts and crafts, a pottery and swathes of beautiful plants and flowers for sale, is run by the individuals, with the support of Learning Curve staff team.
The individuals have helped with the design and layout of the garden centre and grown the plants and flowers offered for sale.
Taking advantage of the on-site pottery they have made crafts that are sold – alongside products from local companies such as the Penderyn Furniture Company and Cascade Crafts – in the gift shop.
The coffee shop is also staffed by individuals, who make and serve hot and cold drinks, snacks, cakes, jacket potatoes and a daily special meal.
Cllr Geraint Hopkins, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Adults Community Services, said: "Learning Curve is an exceptional way to ensure adults with learning disabilities secure skills, training and qualifications in a vocational setting.
"What they and the staff team at Maesnewydd Garden Centre have created is truly impressive. It's an incredible garden centre offering a range of plants, flowers, compost, planters, pots and hanging baskets that anyone can visit and buy.
"It's important to note they have kept everything local, to ensure they are working with local businesses, and they should be proud of that commitment.
"Maesnewydd Garden Centre is an asset to Rhondda Cynon Taf and residents are invited to pop in and take a look at the stunning garden range, as well as the arts and crafts – plus you can treat yourself to a cuppa and a slice of cake or a light meal while you are there."
Maesnewydd Garden Centre is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (including bank holidays), every other Saturday and has a late night opening until 8pm on Thursdays.
See all the pictures here https://www.facebook.com/pg/RCTCouncil/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1059435440855655
For more information, please contact 01685 872446
