Community Comes Together for “Grassroots” Planting Day at Melbourne General Cemetery

On Saturday 12 October, Melbourne General Cemetery was buzzing with activity as over 80 community members joined the “Grassroots” Community Planting Day, held in partnership with Planet Ark. This special event, part of Project Cultivate, saw community members of all ages getting a hands-on experience, enhancing the biodiversity of our historic cemetery in the heart of Melbourne.

An additional 2,150 locally native wildflowers and groundcovers were planted on the day, introducing 10 new species to this special grassland thanks to the positive engagement and a genuine passion from the local community.

Planting for the future

From 10am to 1pm, volunteers worked alongside our Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) team to add native wildflower seedlings to the environment, with many staying for the entire three-hour session to explore the landscape and enjoy a coffee and doughnut.

One of the day’s highlights was seeing children and their families engage with the cemetery in a new way. They not only learned about the history of the site and the background of Project Cultivate but had a hands-on experience in environmental conservation. Their joy and curiosity were truly inspiring.

More than just planting

Project Cultivate is an initiative to enhance the natural landscapes of our historical cemetery sites. It’s about more than just adding plants and encouraging biodiversity to the grounds – it's a testament to our commitment to sustainability and environmental best practices.

By working in partnership with the community, we’re fostering learning opportunities and interest in sustainability.

Looking ahead

We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making our “Grassroots” Community Planting Day a success. Together, we’re not just planting wildflowers – we're cultivating a more sustainable and vibrant future for Melbourne General Cemetery.

Want to learn more about Project Cultivate, or get involved in future events? Visit our website here for more informationExternal site.