In brief
As the pandemic reshaped outdoor interactions, cemeteries nationwide are adopting natural landscaping practices. Groundkeepers are emphasizing native plants and wildflower meadows, promoting ecological habitats amidst the serene resting places.
Across the United States, a quiet yet profound transformation is unfolding in cemeteries as they replace the traditional manicured lawns with nourished wildflower meadows and drought-resistant plants. This movement, gaining momentum during the pandemic, sees burial grounds evolving into essential green spaces for both wildlife and communities.From historic Catholic and Jewish burial sites to sprawling private cemeteries and even potter’s fields, groundskeepers, conservationists, and new gardeners are leading a shift toward more natural landscaping. This change involves allowing grasses to grow taller, curbing extensive mowing, and actively promoting the growth of native shrubs while removing invasive species. Pesticides are being set aside in favor of nurturing vibrant flora.Cemeteries, often the largest green spaces in urban areas, have played a vital role as serene refuges for wildlife and local communities. The pandemic saw a significant uptick in visitors seeking solace and a connection to nature, with some sites, like Laurel Hill in Pennsylvania, experiencing a jump in attendance of over 100%. Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn also reported attracting 200,000 new visitors to its lush, expansive landscape.This surge in public interest has helped shift long-standing attitudes about cemetery upkeep. Previously, attempts to reimagine Green-Wood’s grounds were met with skepticism, but the need for peaceful outdoor spaces during lockdowns opened hearts and minds to new looks and sensations of these sites. Joseph Charap, Green-Wood’s vice president of horticulture, noted this transformative moment, as visitors celebrated the beauty of the newly wild landscapes.Overall, America’s cemeteries are embracing rewilding practices, creating not just places for reflection but vibrant ecosystems that enhance urban green spaces and ensure a lasting legacy for both the departed and the environment.
