Melbourne cemetery garden project enhances biodiversity and appearance

In Melbourne, an unlikely project is transforming the Melbourne General Cemetery into a vibrant garden. This 172-year-old cemetery is now home to a variety of native plants, thanks to a program called Project Cultivate, which began in mid-2023. So far, 270,000 indigenous flowers, grasses, and groundcovers have been planted. These plants are mainly growing on unmarked graves. The aim is to create a more inviting space while supporting local wildlife. The new vegetation attracts butterflies, bees, and other creatures, enhancing the cemetery's ecosystem. The new plantings offer several benefits. They provide shade, reducing temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees, making the cemetery cooler in warmer weather. Additionally, these plants cover bare spots, decreasing the need for herbicides by 70%. The goal is to eliminate herbicides entirely in the future. Community involvement has surged since the program started. Events like planting days and bird surveys are bringing people together. More than 230,000 additional plants are set to be added this year, further improving the area's environment and soil quality. Helen Tuton, who manages horticultural assets for the cemetery, mentions the previous lack of vegetation, which led to poor soil conditions. Using mulch has greatly aided in retaining moisture and supporting new plant growth. This approach to gardening is not entirely new, as plants have historically accompanied grave sites. Some visitors prefer traditional cemetery plants, such as roses and lavender. However, Tuton is committed to educating visitors about the ecological importance of this new landscape. The project aims to recreate a native grassland, contributing to biodiversity and engaging the community in environmental efforts.