Cemeteries in Transition

Cemeteries are undergoing change. The traditional form of burial in the ground is also in sharp decline in Mainz, giving way to space-saving urn graves and columbariums. Large burial plots, which were still needed for in-ground burials until the turn of the millennium, are gradually becoming vacant. At all 14 cemeteries in Mainz, the growing demand for cremation with urn burial creates a total of approximately 1,600 m² of additional open space each year.

In the medium term, these areas will no longer be needed as burial plots, so their maintenance will be scaled back. A diverse range of structures that promote biodiversity and habitat can develop. The cemeteries in Mainz are noticeably taking on expanded, positive functions for people and nature: as local recreational areas and as habitats for animals and plants. Thanks to their mature tree populations, they contribute significantly to improving the city’s climate. In this way, cemeteries enhance our quality of life and bring nature into the city.

Nature-oriented graves

In this context, it makes sense and is desirable to design graves in cemeteries in a way that is close to nature and sustainable. When properly designed, natural burial sites are visually appealing and reduce maintenance requirements. For example, insects benefit from the selection of plants that are as native as possible and have single flowers. Many cultivated varieties have double flowers, which have an increased number of petals. For bees and other insects, such flowers are unsuitable as a food source because the pollen- and nectar-producing organs are inaccessible to them.

An important concern: waste-free funeral culture

Plastic grave decorations do not fit in with a natural grave. According to Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz, approximately 70 tons of municipal waste were generated at Mainz cemeteries in 2019. This amount of improperly disposed-of residual waste is found in containers that are actually intended only for packaging waste. As a result, wreaths, vases, candle holders, floral foam, and flower packaging, etc., cannot be properly recycled.

In principle, much of this packaging waste could be avoided, as compostable floral arrangements, grave bowls, and wreath bases made from natural materials, as well as refillable grave lights, are just as suitable. Unfortunately, such products that contribute to a waste-free funeral culture are not yet standard. Therefore, ask cemetery gardeners explicitly for sustainable grave decorations that can be purchased through wholesalers. You can find some suppliers that also offer eco-friendly materials at the end of this article.

The Myth of Peat

The belief that graves must be planted with peat-based soil persists. What are the pros and cons of peat? It is popular because it retains water well without the roots suffering from a lack of air and thus beginning to rot. Additionally, its pH level and nutrient content can be flexibly adjusted depending on which plant is to be cultivated. Last but not least, when dry, it is nice and light, making it easy to transport.

The extraction of peat irreversibly depletes entire raised bogs that have formed over many decades. This extraction releases climate-damaging CO₂. The enormous capacity to store CO₂ and the habitat of many animals and plants are thus lost. Don’t be fooled when buying, because even peat-reduced soil still contains about 70–80% peat. But there are good alternatives! Use compost from your own garden or green waste compost available at the green waste facility, which is made from grass, lawn clippings, woody plant trimmings, and autumn leaves. Bark compost made from tree bark generated during wood processing and local wood fibers are also suitable. You can find more information in the list of links below.

How to successfully create and maintain a natural grave

When creating a natural-looking grave, the right plants are just as important as the soil. Evergreen, ground-covering species such as periwinkle or winter heath are ideal for long-lasting and low-maintenance grave plantings. Plant perennial flowering shrubs, tubers, or bulbs in between. Keep seasonal plantings of flowering annual herbs to a minimum.

• When preparing the grave, use garden compost, green waste compost, bark compost, or local wood fibers.
• Avoid synthetic fertilizers. These have only a short-term effect because they are immediately and fully available to the soil. Organic fertilizers such as plant compost, horn shavings, or guano have a long-term effect and save you from having to fertilize frequently. Many heat-loving plants do not require any additional fertilization at all.
• A ground cover of wood chips or bark mulch also helps retain soil moisture. This prevents the soil from drying out too much and stops the spread of unwanted weeds.
• Plant the bed with native herbs and perennials that are adapted to local soil and light conditions. A small, seasonally changing selection of flowering herbs makes maintenance easier. An information brochure and a plant list featuring insect-friendly, perennial species are available on the website of the Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz; see the list of links.
• Shrubs and trees are not suitable for grave planting, as they quickly grow too large.
• When caring for the garden, keep in mind that a groundcover and perennial grave requires significantly less water than a grave with seasonal plantings.
• It is better to water less frequently but sufficiently to reach the deeper soil layers. It is best to water in the morning or evening and close to the ground (do not spray).

The result is a naturally designed, vibrant, and low-maintenance grave that you will enjoy visiting. For further information and advice on “natural grave design and care,” please visit the Mainz Environmental Store and the Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz.