PICS | PMB’s green champions honoured for helping city bloom again

Pietermaritzburg residents, schools and businesses that have transformed neglected spaces into thriving gardens and community assets have been recognised in the first phase of the Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Action (KPCA) Group’s year long “PMB in Bloom: Sweet Spots, Pots & Spotless Verges” campaign.

The initiative, driven by the KPCA and supported by Save Hyper, The Witness, and We Love PMB, aims to encourage residents to take pride in their surroundings and help beautify the city.

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The competition forms part of KPCA’s broader “A Heart for PMB — Embrace Our City” campaign, which has spent the past two years encouraging communities to reclaim neglected public spaces and transform them into attractive green areas.

Campaign manager Lara Edmonds said the initiative was designed to reward those who were making a visible difference in the city.

“We are delighted to report that there are a number of very attractive garden spaces in our city, and it is time to reward these endeavours with Gold, Silver and Green Ellie Awards,” she said.

Taking top honours in the Education and Academy category was Pillars Sports Academy at Settlers Park, on Townbush Road, which received a Gold Ellie Award and a R1 000 Save Hyper voucher.

Judges praised the immaculate condition of the park, its use as a venue for community events and the creative use of recycled materials throughout the space.

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In the Business and Organisation category, Gresham Wealth secured first place, with judges commending the company for maintaining a sizeable verge garden with only two staff members and creating what they described as a cool and inviting green space.

The Residential category winner was the Montrose resident Sam Green for her Carruthers Park project.

Judges said they were inspired by the story behind the park, which was created by Green and her gardener, Kuso, in memory of her father and with support from the surrounding community.

The park’s indigenous trees and thoughtful planting design were highlighted as standout features. Several other organisations were recognised for their efforts.

The Wykeham Collegiate received second place in the Education category, with judges praising its colourful verge garden and welcoming entrance.

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In the Business and Organisation category, Scrap & Steel earned a Silver Ellie Award for transforming a challenging area into a n attractive green space, while All Saints United Church was recognised for maintaining an immaculate verge garden described as “a wonderful gift to the community”.

Natal Property Consultants received a Silver Ellie Award for its colourful and vibrant planting design, while Remax Midlands was presented with a Green Ellie Award for converting what had been a dumpsite into a neat green area.

The competition was launched to inspire residents, schools and businesses to play a role in restoring civic pride and demonstrating how small acts of care can make a significant difference to the appearance and wellbeing of the city.

KPCA believes the initiative is helping to prove that collaboration between residents, businesses and community organisations can transform neglected spaces into places of beauty and hope.