Can I look after my grass verge?

[hangoninaminute]

We've recently moved in to our new house which needs extensive renovation. We have already started to clear out the garden which is already getting really good positives from the neighbours. After sorting out some overgrown shrubs it has uncovered a small grass verge next to a pavement. It would be lovely to get some grass seed on it and then in September put some bulbs in to pop up next spring.

My question is am I allowed to do this? You could argue that it is right on my boundary so it is mine but will the council kick up a stink? It's not that I'm doing any harm to it...

[catzpyjamas]

If the area was overgrown and hidden, I'm sure there would be no problem with you improving it with plants and grass. Paving or something like that would probably be a different matter.
My DM plants bulbs on the grass verge across from her house so she can look out at daffodils in spring. The council have never approached her about it although she does lose a few on Mother's Day as people often help themselves

[LetThereBeCupcakes]

Legally I think it probably depends on your council - most just say something along the lines of "go for it - but you're liable if you hurt somebody in the process".

In practice I'd be amazed if anybody complained that you'd popped in a few bulbs. Just be aware that if you clear it and the council decide to start cutting it, they might not notice bulbs popping through.

[shovetheholly]

I think councils are on thin ice when it comes to complaining about this kind of thing, especially these days! I'm tempted to say that surely no-one could object to a few lovely summer bulbs, but people are cantankerous sometimes. I would still do it in your shoes though! Just don't put in anything permanent that would need to be maintained in the event that you leave. You might want to put out a little sign that says 'Bulbs coming through - please don't trample or mow' in case they come around with a tractor mower (someone up the road from me does this, and it is always respected).

You could also think about a meadow mix for insects instead of grass!

[aircooled]

Have you read On Guerilla Gardening by Richard Reynolds...?

[funnyperson]

Vans generally take a delight in running over the grass verges outside my parents house. Thus they have mud verges. We arent sure of the legality of putting a border of stones to discourage vans running over the verge.

[Sofarris]

Well my common sense would tell me that no council in their right mind would have an issue with your improving a patch of grass with a few beautiful flowers. However, we all know that many councils don't seem to have any common sense whatsoever. Worst case scenario? You plant the bulbs, a council busy body/jobs worth sees them and they get dug up. I can't imagine anything other than that happening. I say go for it!

[echt]

Ooh, not entirely relevant but a very Australian take on the old nature strip/verge, the bit between the pavement and the road. Ours is about 20 feet by 6.

Officially it belongs to the council, but the householder has to maintain it…unless they can't/won't then the council does. All trees will be pruned by the council without discussion, though they do it very well.

Mostly you can do what you want to, which we have been doing.

A very nice thing the council do is to plant/replace a tree on every strip.

[hangoninaminute]

Thank you for all of your replies. I am going to go for it. Anything will look better than what's there now! Will get the grass sorted this spring/summer and then plant bulbs in the autumn.