Best Bedfordview pavement crowned

Better Bedfordview has announced the winners of the 2021 Best Pavement Competition. Taking the top spot this year was Daniel and Avril Caplan, whose Senderwood pavement was voted the best in Bedfordview.

Daniel told the NEWS that his family only moved into the Fletching Avenue property five years ago.

“The previous owners were not interested in the pavement, but when we moved in, we gave out the gardener free rein.

“We went to the nursery together, and he was excited to pick out everything he wanted to plant,” Daniel said.

He added that his pride and joy in his garden was the grass. Daniel encouraged other residents to take pride in their pavements.

“Hopefully, this initiative will catch on and more people will take part.”

He said that a garden is supposed to be relaxing, but more than that, a pleasant garden increases the value of a property.

“It’s also good for the walkers in our neighbourhood to have something to look at,” Daniel said.

Karon Hosking was the second-place winner with her indigenous succulent pavement. Hers is a pavement she inherited when she bought her house.

“Over the years, I’ve just tamed it. I love it because it’s water-wise and easy to maintain,” Karon said.
She said that succulent gardens and pavements are perfect for beginners like her who don’t know an awful lot about gardening.

Third place in this year’s competition was awarded to complex manager Irene Kleine. She has been the manager of White Willows for the last 20 years and the complex pavement is something she has put a lot of thought into.

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“I’m thrilled with third place. My pride and joy are my sun patience,” she said.

Irene said that a beautiful pavement makes all the difference in a neighbourhood.

All three winners encouraged others to join the competition next year. Chairperson for Residents Action Group (RAG) Bedfordview Marina Constas said it was amazing to have residents in the community who take so much pride in their pavements and their suburb.

She said a neat and well looked after pavement shows residents are considerate towards their neighbours and is an uplifting sight.

“Every year, the initiative is gathering traction and we’re excited to see what next year will bring,” Marina said.

The guest judge for this year’s competition, Carol Payne, said judging was no easy feat.

“It is always difficult to judge these competitions. We looked at several elements before making our decision. Some elements included having a welcoming and inviting entrance, plant choices, plant health, soil quality, maintenance and consistency,” she said.

This is the second year that RAG and Better Bedfordview have run the Best Bedfordview Pavement competition. The competition aims to encourage residents to beautify and uplift the area.

Some prizes up for grabs included a one-night stay with breakfast at The Giglio, a voucher from Eastgate Shopping Centre, a fun, themed cooking class with The Cooking Divas and a solar gift box from A-way Solutions & Projects, among others.