WEMBLEY resident Sam claims the beloved frangipanis on her community verge garden are set to be trimmed to “750mm leafless stumps” after the Town of Cambridge received a complaint.
However, the Town says they do not want the verge removed, just a small section to be pruned to improve vehicle sightlines for motorists.
“They want my frangipanis cut down to 750mm, meaning they will be just leafless stumps,” she said.
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READ NOW“The vegetation they want to butcher is 10m from the intersection so there is ample line of sight to see around the corner.”
The self-confessed green thumb has built the kid-friendly, 160sq m garden twice before.
Sam first built the garden in 2003, and only received one complaint 11 years later.
She said she had spent much time and money planting, maintaining and fixing the garden over 15 years.
Sam said she planted water wise vegetation including succulents, West Australian native plants and tried to include plants that created shade and were not dangerous to children.
A complaint by a neighbour regarding her verge garden led to her receiving an “aggressive letter” from the Town.
Sam claimed the letter stated she would be fined $500 every day, from June 2018, if she continued to maintain the garden.
Cambridge acting chief executive John Giorgi said they had adopted a Risk Minimisation approach to hazards on verges and each case was assessed.
“Action is only taken where there is a safety, serious risk or dangerous situations,” Mr Giorgi said.
“Safety for the road users and the prevention of motor vehicle accidents involving other cars is the Town of Cambridge’s priority in this matter.”
Community members have shown their support and love for Sam’s verge garden and started an online petition to “Save Sam’s Garden”.
Hundreds of signatures have already been made online.