Greenside Residents Association recognises well-kept gardens and sidewalks
The Greenside Garden and Sidewalk competition saw 30 nominees.
A well-kept garden filled with greenery, an indigenous yellowwood tree, and colourful flowers is what made Fazila and Ismail Hussain walk away as Greenside Garden and Sidewalk winners.
The Garden and Sidewalk competition saw 30 nominees and judges voted and narrowed it down to one winner.
A Greenside sidewalk judge, Maryna Mouton, said she always came across the colourful garden when she went for walks with her dog in the neigbourhood.
“Last year, the Greenside Residents Association started the greening committee and one of my ideas was to do a gardening or sidewalk competition that would involve community members. This competition is also popular in Parkhurst and I received a few tips from an agent who established the competition there which has been running for over 11 years. “
Mouton added that Greenside was an established suburb so running the competition was a no-brainer. Notices and posters were shared on the community’s WhatsApp groups even though it was difficult at first because it was a new idea that required community involvement.
Winner Ismail Hussain expressed his gratitude to the nominators and community, “It is a good feeling to win. Several people stop by and have a look at the garden from time to time. The idea is not to win any prizes but it is a good feeling to know and see that people notice my garden and it does make a difference in the neighbourhood.”
Hussain said the Greenside Residents Association played a role in ensuring that the neighborhood was well maintained, including the parks. He added that if everyone in the community took care of their patch of grass or garden it would make a huge difference.
The resident grew up on a farm and gardening has been a part of his life ever since then.
Mouton concluded that she hoped to continue the competition in coming years, as well as host other, different competitions in the community.
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