How we transformed our laneway with local plants!
By Leonie Hos @local_chats_wa
Do you have a laneway near your home that feels a little barren and forgotten? That was the case for me. Every day, I would walk my children to school, and part of our route included a laneway near our house in Yokine. In summer, it was dusty and bare; in winter, it was overrun with weeds. One day, my children asked, “Why aren’t there any plants or trees here?” That simple question sparked a big idea.
Inspired by their curiosity, I decided to explore the possibility of planting the laneway with Western Australian native plants. I emailed our local councillors, included photos of the laneway, and pitched the idea. I also reached out to our local community group We Are Yokine, who connected me with Sam, another passionate local working to green suburban Perth. My idea quickly became our project, and with the support of the council’s sustainability officer, we began building a framework to bring it to life.
Funding the Dream
Of course, funding was essential. We stretched every dollar and found creative solutions. Our council offered mulch vouchers and guidance on grant applications. We also received support from a purpose-driven small business that funded the first half of the project which is proof that local businesses can be powerful allies. Depending on the size of the laneway and inkind support on offer, a laneway transformation can cost between 5 to 15K.
Plant Selection
The council required WA natives under one metre in height which was perfect for our vision. Working with the sustainability officer, we created a planting plan with four categories:
– Plants up to 1 metre tall
– Medum Shrubs between 50 to 70 cm
– Low shrubs between 30 to 50 cm tall
– Grasses and strappy plants
We hope to add taller plants in future phases, pending approval
Preparing the Site
Once the plant list was finalised, we contacted native nurseries for stock availability and quotes. We ordered native soil improver and mulch and used tubestock plants to keep costs low. Nurseries like Trillion Trees, Apace, Muchea, and Green Life Soils were incredibly helpful.
Rallying the Community
To get the plants in the ground, we needed people power. I gathered support by:
– Visiting the households along the laneway.
– Posting on local Facebook groups.
– Dropping letters to nearby homes.
– Messaging friends and family.
– Chatting with neighbours about the planting day.
– Seeking assistance from the council for property owners I couldn’t reach.
The response was amazing! We held two community planting days and both were very well attended and full of positive energy!
The Outcome
We planted the first section in November 2024 which was not ideal timing, but neighbours stepped up and watered the plants with inspiring dedication. By August 2025, the laneway was thriving and flowering!
Beyond the greenery, the most beautiful outcome was the uplift in community spirit. People connected, collaborated, and found joy in shared purpose. It was more than a planting project, it was a celebration of community.
If you would like to follow along our laneway journey, you can find us on Instagram @local_chats_wa
Top tips for planting your own laneway:
– Choose a site close to home so you can keep an eye on it.
– Visit other laneway projects such as ours (between Tuart Street and Lawley Street in Yokine) and the Samson Butterfly Laneway Project (between Ives Close and Marshall Way in Samson)
– Check your local council’s Community Strategic Plan—it outlines their goals and can help you align your proposal.
– Gain support from neighbours and local community groups.
– Partner with local council sustainability officers —they’re your allies!
– Apply for funding through community grants and local business and look out for plant subsidies and mulch vouchers. Local council offer a variety of grants for individuals and not-for-profits, ranging from 1K to over 10K.
– Select waterwise plants native to the area, tubestock is perfect as it is affordable and grows fast. This may need to be done well in advance if doing a large area as nurseries can run out.
– Plan and host a community planting and mulching day (or two) in the winter months.
– Set up a summer watering schedule with the neighbours or local council. Native plants generally need consistent watering over the first two summers to allow them to establish.
