“The fairest thing in nature, a flower, still has its roots in earth” ~ D.H. Lawence

A key part of the vision behind the Herland Forest involves creating a living memorial, a testament to the enduring power of love.

So each October, we plant hundreds of daffodil, tulip, and lilie bulbs on the graves, and then each April—as the trees start to leaf out—we get to watch the graves turn into bouquets.

Daffodils are the first to bloom, followed by tulips and then the lilies. All of which set the stage for the dozens of types of wild flowers that come in succession as the weather warms and the spring rain gives was to the dry summer months.

While the snow bound forest is beautiful, and the fall colors delight the eye, for me it’s the resurgence of life in the spring that truly warms my heart. However harsh the winter may have been, the bright glory of spring celebrates the enduring power of life even in the face of loss.

And what celebration would be complete without flowers?

While most cemeteries don’t allow people to plant flowers (or trees) on their loved one’s graves, we feel just the opposite—we want people to come and see what will grow on their loved one’s grave.

Especially when their loved one was an avid gardener, since a person shouldn’t have to stop growing flowers just because they’ve died.