What is a verge and why does it matter?

Many arguments and disputes develop when people use the same words but mean different things.

To most of us, all the public land around streets and roads is part of a bundle. We don't have any reason to think about the different bits. This can lead to people planting what they think is a verge or nature strip garden but find out the hard way that they've planted in the wrong place.

Check your council policy but the standard verge is the space between your front property line and the kerb.

It doesn't include median strips, laneways or other public land. It also doesn't include privately owned land or other government land, even if it doesn't look like anyone uses it.

That direct link between the verge and the resident is the reason that Councils have been able to provide verge garden policies that don't require you to go through things like planning applications or community garden proposals. If there is an issue, they can look at the verge, look up, and know whose door to knock on.

You can usually adopt a verge but only IF the property owner agrees. I have adopted my neighbour’s verge - it saves them mowing and it extends the value of mine.
It still means the council will knock on their door if there is a problem so they have to trust me to keep it within the guidelines.

One verge at a time

Once we start thinking about verge gardens, we start seeing land everywhere that should be given some love. There is just so much wasted land in our cities.

But every garden created needs someone to look after it - long term. It's better to concentrate on inspiring your neighbours and making sure you don't get into a dispute than taking on too much and getting overwhelmed.

We need lots of everyday people converting their own verges and through that having lots of conversations that build trust relationships and networks.  It's networks, not individual heroes that change the world.

If you want to do more, and I hope you do, use your own verge to develop your ideas and then participate in a group or community project. Group projects need a few examples to get started - and you could be one of those.