A movement towards rewilding burial sites has gained momentum, with efforts to replace traditional lawns with native plants and wildflower meadows spurred by pandemic-inspired appreciation of nature.
Reimagining Rest: The Rise of Wildflower Cemeteries in America
Reimagining Rest: The Rise of Wildflower Cemeteries in America
Cemeteries across the U.S. embrace natural landscapes to support wildlife and community engagement.
Across America, a transformative trend is redefining how cemeteries are maintained and experienced. Once characterized by neatly trimmed lawns and well-defined flower beds, many burial sites are shifting towards more natural landscapes that favor biodiversity and wildlife habitats. This change is being observed in various types of cemeteries, from religious grounds to public greenspaces, prompting a broader reevaluation of how these locations serve communities beyond their traditional purposes.
In light of the pandemic, which heightened the need for safe outdoor spaces, cemeteries have become increasingly popular gathering spots. Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn and Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania have seen significant spikes in visitor numbers. These venues, often the largest green spaces in urban areas, are embracing a movement away from manicured grass to more sustainable and wildflower-rich environments. This shift not only benefits local ecosystems but also enhances the aesthetic value of these spaces, creating serene habitats for both the living and the departed.
Gardeners, groundskeepers, and conservationists are at the forefront of this rewilding trend. Initiatives include reducing mowing frequency, removing invasive plant species, and planting native shrubs and flowers. At Green-Wood, for example, prior resistance to longer grass has transformed into acceptance and even appreciation, with visitors expressing delight at the beauty of natural landscapes. Joseph Charap, the cemetery's vice president of horticulture, emphasizes the positive shift in public sentiment as guests increasingly find solace and inspiration in these reimagined green resting spots. As the U.S. continues its journey toward a more sustainable approach to both nature and remembrance, cemeteries are emerging as vital ecosystems for wildlife and cherished spaces for communal connection.
In light of the pandemic, which heightened the need for safe outdoor spaces, cemeteries have become increasingly popular gathering spots. Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn and Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania have seen significant spikes in visitor numbers. These venues, often the largest green spaces in urban areas, are embracing a movement away from manicured grass to more sustainable and wildflower-rich environments. This shift not only benefits local ecosystems but also enhances the aesthetic value of these spaces, creating serene habitats for both the living and the departed.
Gardeners, groundskeepers, and conservationists are at the forefront of this rewilding trend. Initiatives include reducing mowing frequency, removing invasive plant species, and planting native shrubs and flowers. At Green-Wood, for example, prior resistance to longer grass has transformed into acceptance and even appreciation, with visitors expressing delight at the beauty of natural landscapes. Joseph Charap, the cemetery's vice president of horticulture, emphasizes the positive shift in public sentiment as guests increasingly find solace and inspiration in these reimagined green resting spots. As the U.S. continues its journey toward a more sustainable approach to both nature and remembrance, cemeteries are emerging as vital ecosystems for wildlife and cherished spaces for communal connection.
