Cremation Gardens & Monuments

After a person is cremated, their loved ones must make a decision about what to do with the remains.  Traditionally, human ashes have been placed in an urn.  But as the number of people opting to be cremated increases, more alternative options exist than ever before.  

From scattering the ashes in nature to creating wearable cremation jewelry or ornaments, there are many ways to honour a deceased person’s memory.  Two popular options are cremation gardens and monuments.

Cremation Gardens

A cremation garden is a tranquil, green space set aside to honour the memories of people who have been cremated.  Like a traditional cemetery, a cremation garden is a place for reflection, contemplation, and connection.  

Whereas a cemetery typically has headstones marking each grave, a cremation garden usually has smaller plots with markers where ashes are interred.  

If the family prefers to scatter remains rather than burying them, scattering gardens also exist—sometimes within a larger cremation garden, sometimes in an alternate location.  Alterna Cremation offers families three scattering locations; they are all scenic and provincially owned.

Sometimes a cremation garden is located in a specific section of a cemetery or memorial garden.  Other times, it might be a dedicated space connected with a particular funeral home or religious organization.  Another type of cremation garden might be a personal space created on private property by loved ones (as long as all regulations regarding human remains have been met).  

Ultimately, a cremation garden is a beautiful way for loved ones to connect to the memory of the deceased in a peaceful and serene setting.

Cremation Monuments

Cremation monuments are physical memorials.  They may resemble gravestones or may be completely different in appearance.  

Some cremation monuments are designed to mark a spot where ashes are buried (similar to a grave).  Others may actually house niches for remains within them; these are known as columbaria.  

If you have chosen to scatter your loved one’s ashes, you might still consider a memorial monument, which neither marks the location of buried remains nor contains them.  This type of monument provides a concrete location to honour your loved one’s memory, even in the absence of physical remains.

Some people choose to split ashes for multiple purposes or to combine the remains of people who were closely connected.  Cremation monuments can accommodate whatever decision is right for your situation.

Cremation monuments commonly include markers and benches but can also encompass a wide range of structures, including pillars, bird baths, statues, and more.  If the thought of having your loved ones preserved in a feature that beautifies a garden is comforting, then a specialized cremation monument may be the perfect choice.  

Winnipeg Cremation

At Alterna Cremation in Winnipeg, we are dedicated to helping our families move through the grieving process with dignity and simplicity.  We provide the remains of your loved one to you in a basic but dignified container, and then it’s up to you to do with them as you see fit.  

We do offer urns as well as scattering services and can answer any questions you may have about cremation gardens and monuments.  If you’re seeking Winnipeg cremation services, call us 24 hours a day at 204-808-4490.