About Us
OUR JOURNEY: TRANSFORMING LOSS INTO GROWTH
We are a family-run business with respect for our planet and the intricate web of life it supports.
Our journey began with the loss of my beloved mother. In our final act of love for her, we decided to plant her favourite tree above her ashes. This gesture was not only an offering to the environment but also a living testament to her memory for us, our children, and future generations to cherish.
The trend towards woodland and natural burials is growing, reflecting a desire to honour life and our inherent connection to nature, a stark departure from traditional burial practices which, while familiar, often contribute little to the environment and in some cases cause harm.
Following my mother's funeral, her ashes were returned to us in a rather impersonal cardboard box provided by the local council, which felt somewhat at odds with the reverence and grief we were experiencing. Undeterred, we sought a biodegradable urn that could meet our criteria of environmental sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Our quest was not only an exploration of options but also a learning journey. We were dismayed to discover that ashes contain chemicals that can harm the soil.
This revelation shifted our search parameters. We now needed a vessel that would decompose slowly, allowing rainwater to gradually disperse the potentially harmful components over time, thereby minimising soil damage.
Our search yielded many options, but none seemed to fit. Some had carbon footprints that couldn't be offset even by planting a Giant Redwood, while others bore an uncomfortably utilitarian resemblance to large toilet rolls. We knew we needed a truly natural solution. Our search spanned the globe, evaluating leaf, bamboo, and reed products. Then, like a bolt from the blue, we discovered the humble but enchanting Calabash. It met all our requirements and then some.
With a heartfelt ceremony (and a bit of partying), we placed my mother's Calabash at the base of a large planter, topping it with her cherished Olive Tree. The tree has since thrived, providing us a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. Equally important, my mother is still part of our family gatherings and never misses a BBQ!
