More Species Added to the Diversity Garden

The Diversity Garden at Putta Bucca Wetlands continues to grow as a space for learning, connection and care for Country, with a recent community morning bringing people together to further shape and nurture the site.

Designed around the Aboriginal symbol for a meeting place, the garden creates a setting where people can come together to explore native plants and their traditional uses. Each circular planting area highlights species used for food, medicine and tools, while the central circle supports habitat for wildlife, reflecting the interconnected nature of people, plants and ecosystems.

On a clear autumn morning (24th April 2026), volunteers gathered to continue this work. With support from the Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Mid-Western Regional Council, Glencore, the Putta Bucca Landcarers, and Jules from Local Land Services, the group spent the morning weeding, mulching, and planting around 60 new native species. The garden is beginning to feel more established, with each working bee adding to its structure, diversity and sense of place.

It was great to have Aleshia Lonsdale from Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council there on the day, sharing knowledge about Wiradjuri plant uses and offering insights into how the garden can continue to evolve. These moments of exchange are central to the purpose of the space, creating opportunities for cultural learning alongside hands-on care for the landscape.

Since its establishment in 2025, the Diversity Garden has already become a valued community asset. School groups, community organisations and visitors have been using the public space to learn about native plants, ecosystems and Indigenous knowledge systems, with programs delivered in partnership with Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council and local educators.

This ongoing work is a strong example of what community collaboration can achieve. With each planting day, the garden grows not just in plants, but in shared knowledge, connection and care for Country.