Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) is proud to introduce visitors to a beautiful new space within Springvale Botanical Cemetery (SBC).

We have transformed an unused access strip that stretches from Browns Road (Noble Park) to the rear of the R.W. Gillard lawn into a beautiful, thriving microforest. Dianella Microforest is a beautiful and inviting space, allowing visitors the opportunity to observe the native plants and animals that call this space home. There is seating to have a yarn and connect with nature and each other. We welcome you to come and enjoy our tiny forest!


What is a microforest?

A microforest is exactly as it sounds – a small forest. Our microforest consists of dense plantings of indigenous and native grasses, groundcovers, shrubs and small trees. Together, these create a healthy, biodiverse environment for both native wildlife and people.


Naming the microforest

When the SMCT team were planning the Microforest, they wanted to celebrate the Blue-tongued Lizard. When we started to think about a name, we wanted to incorporate the Blue-tongued Lizard and started thinking about their habits and habitats. Knowing that they LOVE to eat the berries of the Dianella plant, we thought this was a perfect name for our microforest. You will see lots of Dianella plants flourishing in this beautiful space, waiting for the Blue-tongued Lizard to come and find a meal!

Fact Sheets

Do you want to learn more about the animals and plants that call Dianella Microforest home? Please download our fact sheets to get more information!

What might you find in Dianella Microforest?

Community at Dianella Microforest

In September 2024, SMCT engaged with four fantastic primary schools in the City of Greater Dandenong to help us build the Microforest. The schools that participated were:

  • Harrisfield Primary School
  • Silverton Primary School
  • St Elizabeth's Parish School
  • St John Vianney's Primary School

With the help of almost 200 students, we were able to install 1030 native and indigienous plants and distribute 8000 wildflower seeds. We are grateful for their support in helping us create Dianella Microforest. To learn more about our School Planting Days, please watch the video below.