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Relatives should also make their contribution: for example in the choice of grave decorations.
“Away from official green towards a lively and natural designed cemetery.” This concept, which has been implemented for years, leads to the goal in the middle of the city of Aarau: the “Rosengarten” cemetery has mutated into a species-rich and ecologically valuable eco-island. “The bereaved appreciate the nature reserve,” says Hannes Schneider, head of the cemetery.
Anyone who visits a grave in Aarau’s “Rosengarten” cemetery or is just looking for some peace and quiet will find a spacious and naturally designed facility of ecological value in the middle of the city. “Thanks to the many native plants, we are happy to see many insects, which in turn attract numerous birds, including rare ones,” explains cemetery gardener Peter Schär.
The cemetery in Aarau
The cemetery is alive
Even mammals such as foxes and badgers, but also martens, hedgehogs and occasionally even a deer use the quiet and unlit facility at night. “Slightly overgrown meadows, islands of old wood and unmown areas also make the cemetery a special kind of refuge,” explains cemetery manager Hannes Schneider. More and more often they get compliments for this type of cemetery design – even if it doesn’t always look nice: “It’s just not always spring.”
New regulations also bring restrictions
Sometimes the graves are less natural. “It’s not uncommon for the graves of the bereaved to be decorated with plants that require a lot of water and are therefore difficult to look after,” says Peter Schär on the tour. He advises those interested to always pick up tips and tricks from the cemetery gardener before planting.
New cemetery regulations in Aarau will soon ensure ecologically compatible additions to grave decorations. “We would like to do without solar candles, battery-operated lights or plastic jewelry in the future and thus free nature in the cemetery from an unnecessary burden,” says cemetery manager Hannes Schneider, who definitely sees a need for discussion on this issue: “Maybe it will be a bit difficult because the Individuality on the grave is concerned – and this is actually a matter for the bereaved.” Nevertheless, one wants to at least give impetus in this direction.