THE VERGE of a Trevor Joseph’s home on Robin Road in Yellowwood Park, through consistent trimming and thoughtful shaping, was able to be transformed into an award-winning space. The garden competition, an initiative revived by the Yellowwood Park and Woodhaven Ratepayers and Residents Association, was designed to honour residents who took the initiative to improve the look of their homes and the surrounding area. 

The winning verge this month had a distinct elegance, thanks to its meticulously sculpted greenery and an imaginative design that clearly spoke of the years spent perfecting it.

Also read: Yellowwood Park and Woodhaven Residents and Ratepayers Association launch new precinct project

Years of putting in the work

For Joseph, this recognition went beyond merely winning, it was a celebration of a seven-year continuous effort to bring this garden to life. While the family had called this property their home for 11 years, the significant changes to the garden only truly began after some alterations were made to the broader landscape. 

This shift in the garden’s development originated with the family’s decision to remove a towering tree, one that had taken up a lot of space in the front yard, effectively inhibiting the growth of any other flora. “With its removal, a clear opportunity emerged for us to cultivate a true garden space,” said Joseph.

A combined effort

Though Joseph himself had lent a hand with certain tasks, he was quick to point out that the majority of the work, the real effort, came from his wife, Daisy Joseph, and their dedicated gardener.

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“90% of the sustained effort originates with my wife and gardener, they are the individuals who truly orchestrate the entirety of the project,” said Joseph.

The garden’s unique character emerged from its distinct shapes and structural elements, neat circular patterns, meticulously trimmed plants and playful lollipop-style designs. These particular features, it turned out, drew their inspiration from a collection of ideas Daisy had gathered over time from various home and garden exhibitions. 

It runs in the family

The inclination toward gardening is deeply embedded within Daisy’s family lineage. Joseph said that Daisy’s profound enthusiasm for plants is an inherited trait, noting that several relatives themselves are renowned for cultivating remarkably impressive gardens. “It is simply intrinsic to them; they possess that innate aptitude for horticulture. Now she, too, has secured an award in a gardening competition, mirroring the achievements of others within her family,” said Joseph.

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Ayanda Ndlela, the environmental officer who oversees this competition, said that the primary objective of this initiative is to motivate residents to cultivate a sense of ownership over their immediate environments, thereby elevating the community’s overall aesthetic.

“The broader area is segmented into distinct precincts, within which coordinators are tasked with identifying exemplary gardens and verges. Their assessments consider not only visual presentation but also the ingenuity, sustained effort, and demonstrated progress observed,” said Ndlela.

He further noted the competition’s sustained growth, attributing it to the consistent support received from both local commercial entities and engaged community members. He extended an invitation for additional sponsors to participate, emphasising their crucial role in ensuring the initiative’s continuity and broader dissemination.

Contact:

For those interested in supporting the competition, contact Ayanda Ndlela on 064 387 3442.

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