In Melbourne’s Collingwood, an inner-city suburb with a rich history of transformation, Stavros and Maria Tsopanis have turned a neglected laneway into a lush, green sanctuary. What was once a grim alleyway, plagued by the remnants of a bygone heroin epidemic, is now a botanical haven that breathes new life into the neighborhood. This revitalization effort, which began in earnest in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, reflects Stavros’s deep passion for gardening and design—a passion that has redefined not only his family’s home but also the surrounding community space.
Stavros and Maria’s journey to this transformation started in 1991, when they moved into a bluestone workers’ cottage on Easey Street, then part of a gritty working-class neighborhood. Over the years, the area has evolved from an industrial hub to a thriving arts and culture district. Initially, they were among the early gentrifiers in Collingwood, a suburb that in the 1980s and 1990s bore the scars of economic downturns and social challenges. Maria, a senior manager at AMES helping new migrants, and Stavros, an electrical draughtsman from South Africa, quickly settled into their new life, raising their son Peter amidst a community that was steadily reinventing itself.
While Collingwood’s transformation into a trendy hotspot took decades, Stavros had already begun his own quiet revolution. In the 1990s, as the neighborhood grappled with social issues, including a heroin epidemic, Stavros took it upon himself to start planting in the laneway behind their home. With an eye for design, he gradually introduced greenery, hoping that the beauty of plants would help reduce the area’s reputation as a dangerous and neglected space. His early gardening efforts were small, but the vision for a larger, more significant project was already taking shape.
When the pandemic arrived in 2020, Stavros found himself with more time at home, which allowed him to fully embrace his love for gardening. It was during these challenging months of lockdown that he set out to transform the lane into something truly extraordinary. By mid-2021, the cobblestone service lane had become a vibrant botanical paradise, filled with colorful flowers and dense foliage. The once desolate alleyway, frequented by drug users and abandoned trash, was now a welcoming green space, attracting locals and providing a peaceful respite for anyone who passed by.
Stavros’s method is simple yet effective. He nurtures the flowers and plants that thrive in his garden, propagating new growth and spreading it throughout the lane. This approach has not only beautified the area but also created a space that is appreciated by neighbors and even those who once frequented the laneway for less savory reasons. “The addicts still come by, but they’re respectful now,” Stavros notes, “and many people, including kids and families, enjoy the space.”
Maria, who marvels at her husband’s relentless energy, is proud of the transformation. Even semi-retired, Stavros continues to pour his heart into the laneway project, knowing that it brings joy to so many. His dedication to the space has become a symbol of personal and community rejuvenation, showing how one person’s passion can impact an entire neighborhood. Visitors to their home are often led to the laneway, where they are greeted by an oasis of color and life—a testament to the power of nature and the determination to transform the world, one garden at a time.