Currently, only one acre of St Kilda Cemetery’s 18 historic acres is cultivated. Project Cultivate will re-vegetate the site with locally native flower, grass, and shrub species to strengthen biodiversity and enhance the visitor and family experience at the site.

While traditional plants like roses still have a place and will remain, others—like Gazania, introduced in the 1980s—are now classified as environmental weeds. Hand-removal of Gazania is currently underway, with mulching scheduled for late 2025 to early 2026 to prepare the soil for planting.

• Horticultural works: The works will involve the application of organic mulch, planting of locally native grasses, groundcovers, and wildflowers, along with the targeted removal of plants identified as weeds. These weed plants are recognised as invasive species in many areas of Victoria, including within the City of Port Phillip. No other established plants will be removed as part of the Project Cultivate program of works.
• Timing of works: Works will take place from July 2025 to mid-2026, from 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with some potential weekend works.
• Access and visiting: Visitors can continue to access the cemetery throughout this time and will be provided with detours in the event of temporary path closures. Car parking within the cemetery may be impacted temporarily for limited periods during the works

Please know that we make these decisions with care and respect and will continue to work with families and community to minimise any potential disruption.

• July-October: site preparation including hand-removal of Gazania. More than 40 tonnes of weeds were removed from site during this period.
• August: consultation with the Bunurong Land Council to identify potential indigenous species and explore cultural practices and knowledge for the area
• November: mulching commences on site on the Hotham Street side, with more than 16,300 wheelbarrows (1631 cubic metres) of organic mulch to be laid across 18 acres (roughly 18 footy fields) of potentially plantable space. Community survey opens for feedback on expectations of horticultural maintenance at St Kilda Cemetery.

Why are you planting native plants instead of traditional cemetery plants?
Many of the plants considered ‘traditional’ for cemeteries (e.g. roses, lavender, large trees, etc) are exotic species and have heavy water and maintenance needs. Older cemeteries have limited irrigation, and as climate change continues to impact weather conditions, we need to consider the suitability of the plants chosen at cemeteries for now and into the future.

Project Cultivate will revegetate the site with locally native flower, grass, and shrub species to strengthen biodiversity and enhance the visitor and family experience at the site.

Who have you consulted about the plants and changes at St Kilda Cemetery?
We are working with our internal horticulture experts and taking the lessons learned from Project Cultivate at Melbourne General Cemetery to further strengthen our approach at St Kilda Cemetery. Each historic cemetery site has its unique challenges and needs, so we’ll also share a community survey, and are collaborating with the Bunurong Land Council as the Traditional Custodians and within the City of Port Phillip Urban Forest Strategy.

Families and other key stakeholders have been notified where possible, and signage continues to be shared on site for people to get in touch.

Will you be replacing the lawn area or removing trees?
We will not be replacing the lawn area as part of Project Cultivate. Nor will we remove significant trees or heritage-listed trees unless required for their health or for safety reasons. Project Cultivate focuses on removing weed plants.

Why are Gazania being removed?
Weed plants are removed in preparation for the plantable areas of the site to be mulched and then planted with native wildflowers and grasses. Gazania are recognised as an invasive species in the City of Port Phillip.

Will other plants be removed?
There are many heritage-listed plants and trees at St Kilda Cemetery. We take utmost care to ensure their survival and will not remove any of these established plants as part of Project Cultivate. On the occasion where a heritage-listed plant has failed, we will replace it with a like species or original where possible, as per Heritage Victoria guidelines.

Lawn areas will not be removed, however other weed species will be removed in preparation for Project Cultivate.

Will you be planting on graves?
Through Project Cultivate, we are able to improve the soil on top of unmarked grave areas and suppress weeds. We then plant native flowers and grasses into the improved soil, which can be easily removed should a family wish. In the meantime, the plants look beautiful, improve biodiversity and significantly reduce the use of herbicide and the temperature on the ground.