In a profound shift, cemeteries across America are shedding their traditional manicured lawns for more natural, rewilded landscapes. This movement encompasses diverse burial sites, from Catholic and Jewish cemeteries to sprawling private graveyards and historically significant potter’s fields. During the pandemic, these serene spaces experienced a surge in visitors as people sought refuge and connection with nature.
Groundskeepers, conservationists, and local gardeners have united to change cemetery aesthetics, allowing native flora and grasses to flourish while removing invasive species. The impact of this effort is significant, as cemeteries often serve as urban green spaces vital for local wildlife. For instance, Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania saw a doubling in attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn welcomed 200,000 new visitors to explore its vast landscapes.
Encouraged by the demand for a more soothing natural environment, cemeteries are embracing meadows filled with wildflowers, which also require less maintenance. As more people became accustomed to the sights of longer grasses and blooming native plants, perceptions shifted. “There has been a huge change in acceptance of these landscapes,” noted Joseph Charap, Green-Wood’s vice president of horticulture. The previous opposition to rewilding practices is now often met with admiration, as visitors appreciate the stunning beauty of these healthier, more sustainable spaces.
In nurturing a vibrant ecosystem within these hallowed grounds, cemeteries are not only enhancing their aesthetic appeal but also fostering a deeper connection between the living and the legacy of those who have passed. Through these innovative landscape changes, they stand as shining examples of how even the most somber places can contribute positively to the environment.
Groundskeepers, conservationists, and local gardeners have united to change cemetery aesthetics, allowing native flora and grasses to flourish while removing invasive species. The impact of this effort is significant, as cemeteries often serve as urban green spaces vital for local wildlife. For instance, Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania saw a doubling in attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn welcomed 200,000 new visitors to explore its vast landscapes.
Encouraged by the demand for a more soothing natural environment, cemeteries are embracing meadows filled with wildflowers, which also require less maintenance. As more people became accustomed to the sights of longer grasses and blooming native plants, perceptions shifted. “There has been a huge change in acceptance of these landscapes,” noted Joseph Charap, Green-Wood’s vice president of horticulture. The previous opposition to rewilding practices is now often met with admiration, as visitors appreciate the stunning beauty of these healthier, more sustainable spaces.
In nurturing a vibrant ecosystem within these hallowed grounds, cemeteries are not only enhancing their aesthetic appeal but also fostering a deeper connection between the living and the legacy of those who have passed. Through these innovative landscape changes, they stand as shining examples of how even the most somber places can contribute positively to the environment.
