What began a few weeks ago as a simple clean-up of overgrown verges near Lonehill Shopping Centre has now bloomed into a completed beautification project, and it is all thanks to the combined efforts of Ward 94 councillor David Foley and local landscaper Liz Budd.

Initially stepping in to clear up the neglected space, Foley was soon joined by Budd, who saw an opportunity to do more than just tidy up. Together, they transformed the area with hardy, low-maintenance plants that promise to burst into colour by spring.

Now that the job at Lone Close off Lonehill Boulevard is complete, residents can look forward to a vibrant display come September and October, an uplifting change made possible through teamwork, generous plant donations, and a shared commitment to keeping Lonehill beautiful.

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Budd, a Lonehill resident and passionate gardener, joined Foley’s community upliftment campaign to help restore pride to public spaces around the shopping centre.

“I thought it would be lovely if we didn’t just clean them up, but actually planted some new greenery, something water-wise and easy to look after,” said Budd.

And that’s exactly what she did. Over the past few weeks, Budd has introduced hardy, low-maintenance plants, such as Agapanthus and garlic plants, to the soil along the shopping centre’s verges, selections she says are both visually pleasing and sustainable.

“We planted a little bit on the other verges, and we’re planning to do more. It’s going to look very beautiful. I hope people who drive through, into the shopping centre, see how beautiful it is.”

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The improvements haven’t gone unnoticed. Budd says she’s already received encouraging feedback from the community. “I got a very nice message from one of the residents who said it looks really great.”

Budd also credited Foley for his ongoing support and hands-on involvement in community upliftment projects. “David is such a champ. Very nice to work with. I’m really grateful for his participation.”

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Foley expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the transformation. “Many thanks to Liz Budd from Lonehill Gardens and her team, plus all the residents who provided spare plants,” he said. “These plants will spread, and there will be an abundance of colour in September/October.” He added, “I’m really looking forward to the next project, we’ve already discussed one.”

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