If you’ve decided on cremation as part of your end-of-life plan, you’re not alone. Cremation is now the preferred choice for families as an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial. However, deciding to be cremated is just the first step—choosing where you want your ashes to go is an equally important consideration. Families tend to handle cremains in one of three ways—burying them, keeping them at home, or scattering them in a meaningful place.

If you’re considering scattering, you may have already realized that finding the perfect location can be tricky due to varying laws around where ashes can be legally spread. This is where cremation gardens, also known as scattering gardens, come in. These are purpose-built spaces designed to legally and meaningfully scatter or bury the cremated ashes of a loved one.

What is a Cremation Garden?

A cremation garden is a thoughtfully designed space for scattering or burying cremated ashes. Unlike traditional DIY ash-scattering, cremation gardens provide practicality and emotional comfort. Cremation gardens have also begun popping up in cemeteries, parks, forests, and private property like homes, churches, universities, and botanical gardens.

Many families value the sense of permanence that cremation gardens offer. While scattering ashes in open water or other locations may feel symbolic in the moment, these places lack a tangible spot to revisit. Cremation gardens provide the best of both worlds—a free-spirited, natural way of honoring through scattering or interring ashes, paired with the option to memorialize names on plaques, walls, or other markers within the garden. 

The 4 Types of Cremation Gardens

Cremation gardens offer a peaceful and meaningful space for remembrance. There are 4 main types of cremation gardens—cemetery, memorial park, Spreading Grove in a Memorial Forest, and private property. Take a look at the common options and their advantages below.

1. Cemetery

Many cemeteries have adapted to the growing popularity of cremation by incorporating dedicated cremation gardens into their grounds. These are often landscaped sections within the existing cemetery, intentionally designed for scattering or burying ashes. 

Key Takeaways:

• Traditional Atmosphere: Cremation gardens offer a traditional and familiar setting for honoring loved ones while accommodating the growing preference for cremation. These spaces provide a formal location where friends and family can gather to reflect and remember. 
• Cost: The cost of utilizing cremation gardens varies depending on the provider. For example, at Tulocay Cemetery in California, prices range from $500 (without a plaque) to $2,000 (with a personalized plaque). These fees typically include services such as scatter labor, recording fees, and endowment care.
• Additional Features: Some cemeteries allow families to dedicate benches, trees, or other features in honor of their loved ones for an extra fee. These features provide a lovely space to return to for remembrance.  

2. Memorial Park

A memorial park provides a modern alternative to traditional cemeteries. The main distinction lies in the absence of upright headstones. Instead, flat markers that blend into the environment are used creating a natural, open space for quiet reflection.

Key Takeaways:

• Well-Maintained: Memorial parks are garden-like sanctuaries, featuring thoughtfully landscaped grounds that create a peaceful atmosphere.
• Subtle Markers: Flat markers harmonize with the surroundings, enhancing the overall natural aesthetics of the park. 
• Scattering Options: Many parks provide designated areas for community scattering where remains are co-mingled or privately scattered in sites with dedicated placements.
• Cost: Memorial parks cater to a variety of preferences and budgets. For instance, Forest Lawn Memorial Park in New York offers community scattering options starting at $286, while private creekside scattering begins at $7,000. Life After Life is building modern memorial parks in urban spaces—a final resting space can be secured starting at $5000. 

3. Spreading Grove in a Memorial Forest

A Spreading Grove in a Memorial Forest redefines the concept of a memorial park, providing a unique, natural resting place for ashes in a dedicated grove of trees. These first-of-their-kind cremation gardens, known as Spreading Groves, are located within protected forests and allow you to return ashes to the earth amongst the forest. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Legal and Protected: Ashes are spread legally and responsibly in a protected forest where you and your loved ones have ongoing access to the forest. Choosing a Spreading Grove preserves an entire forest ecosystem, ensuring it remains a sanctuary for generations to come.
• Environmentally Conscious: This choice returns ashes to the earth in a protected forest, responding to the environment and creating an eco-friendly tribute.
• Cost: Spreading Groves are an affordable end-of-life option that brings peace and value to families. The Spreading Grove at Better Place Forests St. Croix Valley starts at $1895 and includes an ash spreading ceremony, a personalized memorial marker, and ongoing forest access. 

4. Private Property

Many families choose to create private scattering gardens at home to keep their loved one close. Other private spaces include churches, universities, and botanical gardens.

• Personalization: You can design a space that reflects your loved one’s personality with unique elements like specific flowers, trees, or memorial features. Keep in mind that designing and maintaining a garden can require significant time, effort, and costs.
• Proximity: Creating a scattering garden at home or a nearby private property allows you to frequently visit and honor your loved one. However, If the cremation garden is created at a private residence, moving homes can complicate visitation.
• Legality: Local laws may limit scattering ashes or building memorials, so it’s essential to check regulations in your area.

Why Choose a Cremation Garden?

Choosing a cremation garden is driven by the desire for a permanent memorial for a loved one because the ability to come back and visit keeps you connected to your loved one’s memory. However here are some additional pros and cons to keep in mind:

Pros

• Legal Compliance: No need to worry about breaking scattering laws. Cremation gardens ensure ashes are spread in permitted areas.
• Eco-Friendly: Many cremation gardens prioritize sustainable practices, reducing environmental harm.
• Beauty: Provides a serene, beautiful environment where loved ones can visit for remembrance.
• Affordable: Compared to traditional burial methods, cremation gardens often come with a lower price tag.

Cons

• Shared Space: These areas are often communal, meaning there often isn’t an exclusive resting place for an individual.
• Limitations: Some gardens might restrict where or how you can scatter ashes within the property. There might be limits on the number of attendees or types of ceremonies conducted on the property.
• Religious and Spiritual Beliefs: Different faiths have unique views on scattering ashes. Some cremation gardens align with specific traditions, while others are more inclusive, offering flexibility to meet varying spiritual needs.
• Personalization: Some providers may allow personal markers or plaques with varying levels of personalization, while others don’t. 

FAQs 

Is a Cremation Garden Right for Me?

Interested in learning more about cremation gardens? Check out the Spreading Grove at Better Place Forests St. Coix Valley, known for its experienced, professional staff and services. With a long-standing commitment to protecting the environment and customer service, the Guides can answer questions you have about the spreading experience. Start your planning today and create a peaceful legacy for both you and your loved ones.

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