Why is this small patch of land in Central Park roped off? What makes it so special? Look closer and you’ll see a vibrant tapestry of native flowers, grasses, and lilies. This, my friends, is “Lost Lands Found,” a living art installation that offers a poignant glimpse into Victoria’s past.
Central Park, established in 1906, has always been a green haven for the community. Yet, this installation reminds us of what existed here before European settlement. Imagine a time when less than 1% of what you see in “Lost Lands Found” covered the land. This 4×4 meter plot represents the rich biodiversity that once flourished throughout Victoria.
Created by Dean Stewart, a Wemba Wemba-Wergaia educator and ecologist, “Lost Lands Found” is a call for reconciliation. Not just between black and white but between all people and the land we now call home. Each plant, lovingly chosen and tended, provides habitat for native insects, re-establishing a delicate balance lost for generations. Take a moment to identify some of these plants. Perhaps they’ll inspire you to create your own mini “Lost Lands Found” back home, fostering biodiversity one garden at a time.