Green-fingered residents have transformed a once run-down back alleyway into a quirky urban oasis.
The alleyway, which sits on the border of Moss Side and Rusholme, was a hotspot for fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
Messy and unloved, it was a place to avoid rather than enjoy.
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Around three years ago, a small group of residents decided to do something about it, and the transformation of the alleyway began.
Nadine Brown and Esther Webb started by knocking on neighbours' doors to get as many volunteers as possible on board.
They arranged for the council to collect old sofas that had been dumped in the alley and held community clear up days to create a blank canvas.
Esther, 33, said: "It was just a rotten alley before.
"People would fly-tip and it didn't feel like a safe place because no one ever spent any time there.
"It was one of my neighbours Nadine who started it all really. She was on maternity leave and took charge of it as a project.
"We put fliers through everyone's doors and the response was really positive.
"Initially we had to clear all the rubbish away, remove all the moss from the cobbles and basically jet wash everything.
"Then some of our very handy neighbours built planters from old planters and upcycled as much stuff as we could.
"We painted all the gates and some of the bricks to make it as colourful and cheerful as possible."
The project was granted funding from community organisations and charities including Forever Manchester, We Love MCR, Moss Care Housing and Upping It.
The extra funding enabled residents to not just spruce up the alley, but also make it a safe place for children to play in.
The alley, re-named Sunny Alley, has also become a place for people to garden and socialise, when pandemic restrictions have allowed them to do so.
Handy residents have added quirky touches by upcycling old furniture, tyres and even a television to create planters and seating areas.
"It's really helped foster a sense of community here," added Esther.
"Unfortunately Moss Side doesn't always have a great reputation but there are so many people who are passionate about the area.
"Everyone has really got involved and now it's a place where people have a cup of tea and a chat.
"We've grown fruit and vegetables - I even pick all my rabbit's food from here now.
"Not to mention all the lovely flowering delights we now have.
"It's just a lovely place to be."
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