In brief
In the wake of the pandemic, cemeteries are shifting towards more natural landscapes, promoting biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
Across America, cemetery grounds are undergoing a green transformation, with diverse plant life replacing traditional manicured lawns. This shift is observed in various burial places, including Catholic and Jewish cemeteries, expansive private graveyards, and historical potter's fields. Driven by groundskeepers, horticulturists, and conservationists, these spaces are fostering native flora and reducing maintenance, allowing grasses to flourish while minimizing pesticide usage.The pandemic notably increased the popularity of cemeteries as peaceful retreats. For example, Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania experienced a visitor surge, doubling its attendance in 2020, while Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery welcomed 200,000 new visitors. This influx coincided with initiatives to create vibrant meadows filled with wildflowers, offering a stark contrast to the traditional aesthetic of neatly trimmed grass.Joseph Charap, Green-Wood’s vice president of horticulture, notes a significant change in public perception. As more people seek solace in nature post-lockdown, they now appreciate these natural gardens. Previous efforts to allow longer grass had faced backlash, but the pandemic influenced a more positive reaction with many deeming it “beautiful.” This evolution represents a broader trend of embracing biodiversity and rewilding in spaces traditionally reserved for solemnity, allowing nature to reclaim and thrive in areas of remembrance.
