Verge contest encourages civic pride explains Durban North couple
eThekwini Muncipality's verge competition is aimed at encouraging residents to beautify and maintain their verges as well as to encourage the planting of hardy indigenous species.
WHILE there were no winners in this year’s annual Verge Competition in the residential category from north Durban, one couple feel it’s vitally important to enter competitions like this to instill civic pride and promote indigenous planting.
Sherborne Place couple, Greg Courtney and Jane Troughton, were one of the more than 100 entrants in the eThekwini Muncipality’s verge competition which is aimed at encouraging residents to beautify and maintain their verges as well as to encourage the planting of hardy indigenous species.
The competition is divided into four categories which include residential, commercial, schools and food garden.
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According to the City, the best verge is chosen based on the ‘Wow! Factor, civic pride, sustainability, aesthetic appeal, water-wise consideration, maintenance design and that it was invasive alien plant free’.
Courtney said he felt the competition is a great initiative by the City to recognise beautiful verges.
“I do feel taking ownership of your verge adds some civic pride because some people do neglect their verges. Other don’t see the potential of the verge and just plant sterile lawn without flowers or shrubs. I’ve learnt so much through my wife, Jane, who is also a member of the Durban North Conservancy. We were fortunate to inherit a magnificent hedge of Carissa macrocarpa (Amatumgulu).
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“Since then we have added other thorny shrubs such as Oncoba spinosa (Fried Egg Tree) and Dovyalis caffra (Kei Apple). For colour and interest, we’ve planted Aloe pluridents, Pelargonium tongaensa, Eurypos pectinatus and Aptenia cordifolia. These species attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife all year round. I would encourage other residents to support this great initiative that is wonderful for gardeners,” Courtney said.
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