IT ALL started with a few plants in a local fence, and now there are cushions, woollen creatures and even a book to leave notes, poetry and drawings.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This is the beauty of Bridport Street, with the guerrilla artists coming forward this week to reveal the work behind the enticing bus stop in Daylesford.
Lena Mazza began work on the area more than a year ago, with many other residents showing their support along the way.
For Lena, it was as simple as wanting to respect those using public transport.
"I just wanted people to be comfortable and proud and it has really grown from there,” she said.
“Where it’s at now, with all this colour and support from locals, is what I imagined it to be when I first started planting things in the fence last year.
“I guess this proves it takes one person to stick with an idea and beautiful things can happen.”
The group of half a dozen residents are now in discussions with Hepburn Shire to request a watering system for the fence and a fresh coat of paint for the bus stop – and maybe even some fluro green stripes to really spruce up the area.
“Things are happening,” Lena said.
“In recent weeks, we have been approached by groups and even a primary school who want to start planting in the fence with us.
“It’s a pretty long fence but it looks like it will all be green pretty soon.”
Fellow artist Sandrea Chanell has worked with Lena along the way, and has been humbled by the support of the community.
“We all live nearby here and you often see people get off the bus and have a look with a smile on their faces,” she said.
“It’s just a beautiful little thing for the town to be proud of.”
And what about vandalism? Not in Daylesford, says Lena.
“People have taken some cushions, but they’re easy enough to replace, and mostly, people respect the space and really look after it,” she said.
“So many people leave notes in the bus stop book and it’s incredible to sit here and read everyone’s thoughts and find the pictures and poems they have left behind too.”