Q: What are Scattering Gardens?
Answer:
Scattering gardens are a shared resting place where ashes are spread on the soil, rather than buried below ground.
Scattering gardens are becoming more popular as alternative resting places in Canada. It makes sense, as people move away from wanting “traditional” cemetery plots, and older cemeteries have less space available.
Some scattering sites ask family to choose a special place in the garden. Near a tree, a type of flower, or a nice bench for example. Others simply offer a patch of grass or mulch. Some invite family to spread ashes themselves (if they’d like to). Others have a staff person do this. If you can’t be present, some sites will scatter on your behalf, and may even send you a photo of the spot.
Do your research and visit ahead of time to find the right place for your person and your family.
Here are a few reasons to choose a scattering garden (and why we personally love them):
They’re in nature. Scattering gardens use greenery to mark a shared resting place. Making them a more efficient and eco-conscious option than formal graves. Some also have the option for engraved memorial plaques—just ask.
They’re affordable. Choosing a scattering garden is much more cost effective than a cemetery plot. In Canada they range in the hundreds of dollars, rather than thousands.
They’re beautiful to visit. Scattering gardens give you a meaningful place to visit all year long. The best ones are artfully landscaped to be beautiful in every season—with many flowers in the sunny months, colourful leaves in autumn, and strong evergreens in winter.
Interested in seeing one for yourself? Do a quick online search for nearby scattering gardens and have a walk around! Scattering sites are open to the public in Canada (just like cemeteries) so go for a visit and check them out.
A final green tip: When looking at scattering gardens, ask them if they treat ashes to be eco-friendly. Using an environmental amendment like ours at AWAKE is essential to growing healthy gardens (like the one pictured above in Oxford County, Ontario) for years to come.