Caroline Hammat
Two years ago a laneway in Millicent’s Alexander Square was a bare and windy thoroughfare from the car park behind to the row of shops which includes Foster’s Foodland.
In October 2022 local woman Moira Neagle approached the property owner, Dave Foster, and asked if he minded her adding a few plants to the space.
After placing a few pot plants in the laneway Ms Neagle put the call out on social media encouraging others to add to the collection.
Within 12 months the length of the laneway was lined both sides with a range of plants in a variety of containers.
Ms Neagle has praised the support received from community members and local businesses who have donated plants, pots, potting mix, hoses and even solar lights to help beautify the area.
The local craft group got involved last year by creating and hanging a brightly coloured crochet canopy which had the added benefit of sheltering plants from the harsh summer sun.
South East Property Sales, through their Community Funnel, are the latest business to help support the project.
A $200 voucher for K&B Mitre 10 was donated allowing Ms Neagle to purchase large pots for the space, which she has since potted up and moved into the laneway.
“It’s another wonderful example of the community supporting this little project, I just think it’s fantastic,” she said.
“It’s a generous donation which has allowed me to buy two larger pots which are very expensive.
“Occasionally plants and pots go missing so this will make that more difficult.”
Moving to larger pots is a desirable outcome for Ms Neagle who waters, weeds and sweeps the site regularly.
“Bigger pots have the advantage of less maintenance, there are fewer pots to weed and water, and they are easier to manage,” she said.
“We have plenty of plants here but we would really like it if anyone has some large pots to donate.
“The larger, the better” she said.
Community members are encouraged to contact Ms Neagle if they have any suitable pots or potting mix they would like to donate to the project.
