A collaborative project between Kathleen Syme Library & Community Centre, Aboriginal Melbourne, local community and GROW Gardens.
The Weaving Garden extends Kathleen Syme Library & Community Centre’s commitment to Growing Culture & Community by introducing a living Indigenous fibre garden along the library frontage.
Featuring carefully selected Dianella species traditionally used in weaving practices, the garden will provide a visible, place-based learning space that invites curiosity, participation and cultural connection.
Designed with layered planting that reflects both function and form, the garden will demonstrate how native plants hold knowledge — not only ecological value, but stories, skills and traditions. This project transforms the footpath into an educational landscape, grounded in an understanding of Country.
Native Fibre Plants at Kathleen Syme
For thousands of years, First Nations peoples have grown, gathered, prepared and woven plant fibres into baskets, eel traps, mats, bags and string.
These skills are not just practical — they carry knowledge of seasons, harvesting practices, land care and connection to Country.
The Dianella species planted here are native fibre plants traditionally used for weaving. They are resilient, beautiful, and well suited to urban Melbourne conditions.
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