Join Lachlan Bell in his mission to restore and revitalise the Estonian niche wall section at Rookwood Cemetery. Following an exhibition held at Rookwood in 2023, this project will to bring life back into the site by helping preserve Rookwood’s natural heritage whilst honouring the memory of our relatives by creating a sanctuary that celebrates the unique flora of the Cumberland Plains ecosystem. The project seeks to remediate the site through the addition of endemic species as well as new gravel, native-friendly soil, and tools for the project’s success that will allow visitors to tend to the garden as well as clean the site which extends into the grave plots.
To assist in reaching this goal, a fundraiser on GoFundMe has been set up with a goal of $1500 (with any additional monies going to the volunteers at Rookwood).
You can visit it here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rookwood-estonian-cemetery-garden-talgud-aka-do-up-good
For those who may not be able to financially contribute, you can participate by attending a talgud (an Estonian-style working bee) on Saturday, 15th June, from 10 am onwards, to remediate the soil, polish the plaques, clean the bricks, get involved in planting, and tidy the site. If you wish to attend, please come with a hat, gardening gloves, water bottles and mosquito repellent.
For donors contributing over $100, you will receive a signed, unframed illustrated print by Lachlan, featuring the flora to be planted at Rookwood.
Your donations will directly support the purchase of native plants from Western Sydney Bush Native Nursery, essential materials, and tools for the project’s success. Let’s come together to create a beautiful and sustainable garden, preserving Rookwood’s heritage and supporting the community.
