Planting with Ashes

Inspiration for Planting with Ashes

Growing a tree or plant that has been combined with a loved one’s ashes can be a symbolic way to keep their memory alive and can provide a feeling of continued closeness and connection. There are many trees and plants to choose from, from smaller potted plants to larger fruit and oak trees. The choice may depend on where they will be planted, or you may have a particular favourite. For outdoors, it can be helpful to choose hardy plants, and some are more adaptable to soil conditions with ashes.

Potted Plants with Ashes

The beauty of potted plants is that they are transferrable and so, if you move, you can take your special plant with you. Some people hold a planting ceremony, which can be therapeutic. We know of someone who poured a gin and tonic in to the soil during the planting as this was their loved one’s favourite tipple!

For further ideas, please go to the Inspiration page for Memorial Plants, Trees & Seeds.

Memorial Trees

A memorial tree can be planted at home or in a favourite woodland. Just make sure you have the land owners permission and, if you would like to, that it is somewhere you can visit in the future. There are many beautiful woodland burial grounds throughout the UK where you can scatter ashes and plant a memorial tree. The National Trust and other organisations also have schemes where you can plant a tree in memory of a loved one.

For further ideas, please go to the Inspiration page for Memorial Plants, Trees & Seeds.

Wildflower Seeds and Seed Balls

Return your loved one to nature in a beautiful location. Whether at home, in a woodland glade or a wildflower meadow, you can create a space that will attract butterflies and bees.

Wildflower seed balls are made from a mix of clay, compost, and wildflower seeds combined with a small amount of cremation ashes. The seeds germinate and bloom into flowers, creating a lasting, uplifting memorial.

For further ideas, please go to the Inspiration page for Memorial Plants, Trees & Seeds.

Biodegradable Urns

Ashes can be scattered in the soil when you are planting (it is best to mix them with a specially blended soil), or you can get biodegradable urns which mix ashes with nutrients. The urn slowly biodegrades and integrates with the soil. Some urns have a built-in watering system and, once the tree has grown a little, it can be re-planted elsewhere.

A Memorial or Remembrance Garden

You don’t need a large area to create a memorial garden, just a dedicated space with favourite flowers and plants. If you find water therapeutic you can include a bird water bath or pond. A memorial bench can provide a lovely place to sit quietly and remember.

Things to Think About When Planting With Ashes

Please bear in mind that ashes are sterile, with a high PH and very high levels of sodium. Ashes can be mixed with products, such as a specially blended soil, to make them a more gentle environment for flowers, plants and trees. It is worth choosing slightly more hardy plants and do take in to account the soil conditions in a particular area.

Find Further Helpful Information

If you would like further information and ideas about the final resting places for ashes, please go to the whiteballoon section for Final Resting Place for the Ashes.

If you would like further information about planning a funeral or celebration of life, please go to Planning a Funeral.

Find Memorial Trees, Plants & Seeds Suppliers in the whiteballoon Community

If you would like to find suppliers of memorial trees, plants and seeds, please go to Funeral Flowers & Plants.