The verge clean-up and planting project along Lone Close is showing early signs of success. For local landscaper Liz Budd, who has been maintaining the area since July, the transformation is both encouraging and heartfelt. Budd, who oversees the day-to-day care of the plants near Lonehill Shopping Centre, says the progress over the past few weeks has exceeded expectations. “I check on them often, and each time I’m surprised by how quickly they’re settling in. Seeing the first flowers now is incredibly rewarding. You put the work in and hope for the best, but seeing colour come through this soon is really something.”

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She also thanked the staff from the Engen Petrol station in Lonehill for taking care of them, as they are in front of their entrance. “It finally looks cared for. That’s the nicest part knowing the community is seeing the difference.”

Her excitement is shared by Ward 94 councillor David Foley, who recently drove past the verges to monitor their progress and spotted the first blooms emerging from the agapanthus and other water-wise plants introduced in winter. “This is good news, and they look so beautiful.”

The initiative began earlier this year, when Foley and Budd teamed up to clear the overgrown verges, which had become untidy and neglected. What started as a straightforward clean-up soon evolved into a planting project, once Budd identified an opportunity to improve the space more sustainably. “I thought it would be lovely if we didn’t just clear the weeds, but actually planted something water-wise, hardy, and easy to look after. Something that would last.”

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With donated plants, support from local residents, and Budd’s expertise, the July plantings included agapanthus, garlic plants, and other low-maintenance species, designed to thrive despite challenging conditions.

Residents arriving at the shopping centre are now beginning to see the results, small bursts of colour that signal the start of a fuller display expected in the coming months.

Foley thanked those involved, particularly the community members who contributed spare plants. “Many thanks to Liz Budd, from Lonehill Gardens, and her team, plus all the residents who provided spare plants. These plants are spreading beautifully, and seeing the flowers now just shows how worthwhile the effort was.”

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