Tavener scoops best-kept verge crown

PIETER Tavener started beautifying his verge at his umhlanga home two years ago and now his impressive landscaping skills have landed him the honour of Durban’s best kept verge.

ethekwini’s Parks, Recreation and Culture unit hosted the annual verge competition at the Botanical Gardens this week, aimed at encouraging residents to beautify and maintain their verges at all times as well as to instill a sense of civic pride.

Tavener, 62, was among more than 100 contestants across the city who were nominated for the competition.

The best verge was judged based on wow factor, civic pride, sustainability, biodiversity and aesthetic appeal.

Tavener grew indigenous plants, which he said consumed less water and kept his verge green and tidy throughout the year.

His verge received a 92.5% score from the judges, making him the first prize winner in the residential category.

“When my son and I did this garden, we created a whole ecosystem. We are now having a lot of butterflies, birds and lizards that live in the plants and the good thing is that we never have to water our garden because it looks after itself,” he said.

Tavener said the journey started 18 months ago, but his plants had since multiplied and he had helped other neighbours with his skills.

“It has definitely improved the area. Before it was just grass which required to be watered in winter. I feel encouraged to help more people.

“It beautifies the area and if I get neighbours to follow likewise, then we will create a beautiful environment all around and upgrade our community.”

For his stunning verge, Taverner was presented with a 1000litre Jojo tank for water conservation, tools, a wheelbarrow and a lawnmower.

Parks head Thembinkosi Ngcobo said the city wanted to redeem its lost green status.

“The green status was lost because the city lacked the involvement of the residents in the promotion of a clean and green environment. With the verge competition, the city aims to restore that civic pride and to protect the environmental status of the city. We also want to encourage the citizens to ensure that the physical infrastructure, such as parks and outdoor gyms in their neighbourhood, is protected,” he said.

Ngcobo said they wanted residents to beautify their own verges and work together to take responsibility for the communities they lived in.