Every verge is different

No, I can't give you a standard plan to follow. Here's why.

Once you start looking, you realise there is no standard verge - they come in all shapes and sizes, some have concrete footpaths, and many don't, and some have complications like bus stops and pedestrian crossings.

To complicate it more, there are many different ways that people view these pieces of land which is why they can so easily lead to disputes.

That means that even if two verges are physically the same, the context can be very different. The demographics, the next-door neighbour, whether it's near a school, shops or bus stop will all make a difference.

No wonder Councils have for so long taken the easy way out and said that grass was the only option. It can't be easy coming up with some standard rules that must cater for every different scenario.

So, Why Does This Matter?

Disputes are painful and costly to everyone concerned. If you stay within your Council's rules and someone complains, at least you'll be able to keep your garden although you might lose a lot of sleep and the goodwill of some of your neighbours.

Because we see verge gardens as way for councils and residents to work together to help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, our aim is to avoid complaints altogether.

To create positive change, you need to understand the space, your own reasons for planting, and why others might not share your passion.

This free article is part of the Understanding the Space section: bite-sized introductions to gardening in these small but wonderfully complex spaces.

Next: Explore and Reflect