Celebrating half a million plants for Project Cultivate


Come along to our 'grassroots' community planting day. You could be the lucky person to plant the 500,000th native plant at Melbourne General Cemetery.

Take a walk through the cemetery’s grasslands and help us plant more local wildflowers, grasses, and groundcovers. This event is open to everyone, no matter your age.

By joining in, you’ll help make a home for local plants and wildlife. You might even plant the special 500,000th seedling!


Planting day details

Date: Saturday, 30 August 2025

Time: 10am–1pm; arrive anytime, and stay as long as you like

Location: Melbourne General Cemetery, Macpherson Street entrance.

Meeting point: Rotunda near the corner of Seventh Avenue and North Avenue: please enter via Macpherson Street entrance.

Parking: Paid parking available on the southern side of MacPherson Street, a short walk to the event.

Tram: 1 and 6 tram lines stop nearby, with the closest stop at 114-Princes Street/Lygon Street Carlton North.

RSVP by Wednesday, 27 August 2024


Volunteer information

  • Meet at the MacPherson Street entry to the cemetery - we will be planting in the grasslands in this area.
  • Please be aware that we are working in an historic cemetery with uneven ground, old monuments etc. Please conduct yourself in a respectful manner, and be mindful of visitors on the day.
  • Planting activities will require bending, and we have limited accessibility to some spaces due to older cemetery site constraints. Please be aware of your physical environment and personal abilities.
  • All participants will be required to sign in before taking part in the planting activity.
  • Our SMCT food truck will be on-site for the event, where you can purchase hot and cold drinks and some light snacks.
  • Dress for the weather conditions - appropriate enclosed footwear is a must, and bring your own hat, sunscreen or other items to combat cold or sunburn
  • Limited trowels and gloves available, but you are welcome to bring your own.
  • Bring your own water bottle.
  • There are public toilet facilities located near the MacPherson Street entry.

This phase of Project Cultivate is proudly supported by the City of Melbourne Urban Forest Fund through matched grant funding.

This activity is being held on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nations, the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which Melbourne General Cemetery is located. SMCT pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.