Entries open for Outstanding Verge Competition
Entries are now open for Pam Golding Properties' Outstanding Verge Competition - a community outreach project to create awareness of the importance of exterior environments, particularly gardens within neighbourhoods, and of this first impression and how it can impact property values.
"Many property owners view the areas outside their boundary walls as being of lesser importance," says Jason Shaw, manager of PGP's Fourways/Dainfern office. "While it is understandable that people choose to devote most of their attention to those parts of the garden in which they spend time, these external areas make a first impression on potential home buyers and can enhance the appeal of a property and the neighbourhood."
"The Outstanding Verge Competition encourages homeowners to put a little extra effort and creativity into the appearance of verges. Aesthetically pleasing exteriors not only improve homes, but also beautify and help uplift communities. Attractive neighbourhoods attract buyers and impact positively on property values."
Shaw says that this is the fifth year of the competition. "The response from the community has been outstanding and interest in it has grown year on year. The public sees the boards showcasing the verges of other competition entrants and call in to enter their own properties. Others encourage their neighbours to enter their beautiful verges and the initiative has rapidly taken on a life of its own."
Shaw explains that a number of different criteria are considered when judging the verges entered into the competition. The overall attractiveness of each verge is the starting point with the innovative use of plants and features such as rock formations, stone carvings, water features and other elements being considered as well. Some of the verges that are entered are indigenous while others have special themes. PGP makes a special effort to judge each verge in its own right. The winners of each category receive R5,000 to assist them in further developing their gardens.
"The Pam Golding Properties Fourways office covers the suburbs spanning from Sunninghill to Northriding and any homeowners and complexes within this area may enter the competition. There are categories for freestanding homes and complexes, as well as for most improved verge, which aims to further motivate homeowners."
"We encourage our house-proud residents to think about how they can contribute in the beautification of their neighbourhoods and to become involved in the competition. Those who wish to enter this year's competition should contact PGP no later than 30 November," concludes Shaw.
