FAQ's

What is a Calabash?

A Calabash is a fruit which comes in a variety of shapes. They can be big and rounded, or small and bottle-shaped, or long and slim, and they can grow to be over a metre long. Rounder varieties are typically called ‘calabash gourds’. These are what we use to provide our unique storage containers. The calabash gourd was one of the world's first cultivated plants grown not primarily for food, but for use as containers.

What is the history of the Calabash?

Calabash bottle gourds have been found at archaeological sites in China and Japan dating back to 8,000 - 9,000BC. Gourds have also been cultivated in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas for thousands of years. It is believed that the bottle gourd drifted across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America, and it is also believed that it was taken in to the New World at the end of the ice age by the native hunter-gatherers. In all cases it is absolutely true to say that calabashes have been used across the world for a extremely long time!!

Where did the idea come from to use a calabash as an urn? 

See our story

Why should I use a calabash?

The calabash is a purely natural product. It is eco-friendly and fully biodegradable. It comes from a completely sustainable source, and as such, it is the most simple, natural and beautiful way to retain the ashes of a loved one, or use to plant under your favourite tree, bush or plant. 

Can they be personalised?

Yes. Names, slogans, phrases and emblems can be added onto your calabash. We welcome enquiries from anyone wanting to make their calabash a unique and personalised memorial to a loved one.

How are they decorated?

If required, the calabash can be decorated and personalised as above. We only use water based varnishes and paints, and all products used are completely and naturally biodegradable. As such, our calabashes will never harm plants, trees, shrubs, bushes or any wildlife. 

Can I get a plain calabash and paint it myself?

Yes, by all means you can. Upon request we can provide all of the technical details you would need to decorate or embellish your calabash.

Can they be planted?

Yes. A calabash will degrade naturally over time without releasing any toxins or nasty substances into the earth.  You can plant your calabash in an urn, a flowerbed, under a bush, or a tree, or a shrub. In fact, you can plant your calabash anywhere that has a lovely memory or significance to you, your family or your loved ones.

How long do they last?

If buried in soil full decomposition will probable take 1-2 years.  However, calabash bottle gourds have been found at archaeological sites and from Chinese dynasties dating back thousands of years! These have likely been kept in very dry conditions with no direct light. However, full details on storing your calabash are provided with each one bought, and by following these guidelines your calabash will last for many generations to come.

I’m organising a direct cremation. Can I still use a calabash?

Absolutely. All you have to do is pass your calabash to the undertaker organising the direct cremation for you, or you can give it directly to the crematorium. Ashes from most direct cremations are usually returned in a standard cardboard box, but most undertakers and/or crematorium staff are perfectly happy to use your calabash for this purpose.

How are ashes transferred to the calabash?

The use of a simple funnel will suffice to transfer ashes to a calabash. Such funnels can also be provided with your calabash if you require. However, most undertakers and/or crematorium staff are also perfectly happy to do this task for you.

How long does it take from ordering to receipt of a personalised calabash?

It typically takes up to three weeks to design, complete, and ship a personalised calabash. A large number of people are now ordering and taking receipt of their personalised calabash well in advance of it being required. However, your undertaker will always hold your ashes until you receive your personalised calabash. 

Can pets ashes be stored in a calabash?

Yes. A calabash is a unique way to store ashes from your pet. As they are a completely natural product, with each one grown individually, they come in a variety of sizes. As such, they can be used to store ashes from a huge range of different sized pets, from hamsters to horses!!

What are the shipping arrangements for a calabash?

Each calabash is packed by hand, and is shipped securely in its own hessian bag, protective wrapping and box. We provide a full range of courier delivery options, and Express Delivery is also available. Each delivery is tracked from the point it leaves us until it arrives with you, giving you complete peace of mind.