Honouring Life Through Trees: The Legacy of Mornington Green

Don't Be Caught Dead

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In this episode, I chat with Luke Roberts of Mornington Green, a unique final resting place that's revolutionising how we approach death and remembrance. Imagine a lush, 34-acre property that feels more like a botanical garden than a cemetery. That's Mornington Green - a place where loved ones' ashes are infused into the roots of trees, creating living memorials that grow and change with the seasons.
Luke, a former lawyer, shares how his brother's experience with grief led to the creation of Mornington Green. The concept is simple yet profound: instead of traditional burial plots or urns, families choose a tree where their loved one's ashes will be placed. The ashes undergo a special organic treatment process, transforming them from potentially harmful to beneficial for the tree's growth. It's a beautiful cycle of life, where human remains quite literally give new life to nature.
What sets Mornington Green apart isn't just its innovative approach to memorialisation. It's the entire experience they've created around death and remembrance. From the variety of trees available (including jacarandas, oak trees, and flowering gums) to the thoughtful ceremony where families can participate in placing the ashes, every detail is designed to make the process more meaningful and healing. They even host regular events like planting days and Christmas in July, encouraging visitors to create positive, living memories in a place traditionally associated with loss.
Key points from our discussion:
- Mornington Green offers a range of trees for memorialisation, from individual trees to those that can accommodate up to eight people's ashes.
- The ashes undergo a special organic treatment process to make them beneficial for tree growth.
- Families can participate in a meaningful ceremony to place their loved one's ashes, including writing a final note on biodegradable paper.
- Mornington Green hosts regular community events to create positive experiences and memories.
- They're expanding to other states in Australia to meet growing demand.
- A volunteer gardening group is being established to provide purpose and community for elderly clients.
Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.
Take care,
Catherine
Resources:
Find out more about Mornington Green here: https://morningtongreen.com.au/
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