KEEPSAKE DIRECTIONS
How to use your Ashes to Earth™ keepsake
Thank you for choosing a living memorial. Your Ashes to Earth™ keepsake planting transforms cremated remains into healthy, balanced soil that nourishes plants and supports long-term growth.
This kit is compatible with all plant species. Use it to create a memorial garden, plant with potted plants, or spread in a meaningful place in nature.
🌳 Memorial Garden
What you'll need:
Your Ashes to Earth™ keepsake satchel
Garden space (existing bed or new planting area)
Shovel or garden trowel
Plant(s) of your choice (or add to an existing garden)
Water
A pen
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Your planting kit comes ready to use.
Your funeral director has already prepared your keepsake.
Open the cotton satchel. Inside, you'll find the blended memorial soil, ready for your garden, and a ritual card to honour the memorial.
Remove the clear inner bag and the ritual card.
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Choose a special place in your garden.
Select a special place in your garden — in an existing flower bed, at the base of a tree, or near a new plant.
Create a small groove or shallow pocket in the soil using your trowel.
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Gently spread the cremation soil into the groove. You can use your hands (the soil is safe to handle) or pour from the bag.
Cover with mulch and water the area well. Wash hands when finished.
Some families may add flower petals or a note on biodegradable paper.
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This is a special moment.
If desired, read the ritual card included in your keepsake. Write in your person’s information, and the place you’ve chosen for the memorial.
Take a moment to complete the memory, reflection, or activity included.
Keep your memorial card with you — at home, in your wallet, or where ever it brings comfort.
🪴 Potted Plants
What you'll need:
Your Ashes to Earth™ keepsake
Planter(s) — small to medium size, with drainage holes
Potting soil (standard indoor or outdoor potting mix)
Plant of your choice
Water
A pen
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Select a quality planter with drainage holes.
Any standard small to medium planter (15-25 cm / 6-10 inches) works well for a keepsake size.
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Your funeral director has already prepared your kit — so it is ready to plant.
Open the bag and pour the memorial soil into the bottom of your planter. Because the keepsake size is small, you can mix directly with potting soil or layer it at the base.
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Add your chosen plant on top. Fill the remainder of the planter with standard potting soil, leaving space at the top for watering.
Water well. For ongoing care, follow the standard instructions for your chosen plant.
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If desired, read the ritual card included in your keepsake. Write in your person’s information, and the plant you’ve chosen for the memorial.
Take a moment to complete the memory, reflection, or activity included.
Keep your memorial card with your plant, in your wallet, or where ever it brings you comfort.
🌲 Spreading in Nature
What you'll need:
Your Ashes to Earth™ planting kit
A meaningful outdoor location
Time (minimum 3 months before spreading)
A pen
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When spreading in nature, we recommend waiting a minimum of three months after preparation to ensure the Ashes to Earth™ formula works effectively before it is spread.
Mark your calendar for three months, or a later date that is meaningful to you. If you are unsure of the date your keepsake was prepared, your funeral director will let you know.
Keep your keepsake in a safe, room temperature place until you are ready.
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Choose a natural place that holds meaning — such as a favourite trail, a shoreline, a forest, or somewhere else that feels significant.
In Canada, spreading cremated remains is permitted on:
Private property (with owner's permission)
Provincial and National Parks
Crown Land
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When you're ready, open the bag and gently pour the soil mixture on the ground in your chosen location. You may also use your hands (the soil is safe to handle).
If possible, create a small groove in the earth before spreading, and cover the memorial soil with leaves or mulch to provide natural shelter.
Wash hands when finished.
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This is a special moment.
If desired, read the ritual card included in your keepsake. Write in your person’s information, and the place you’ve chosen for their memorial.
Take a moment to complete the memory, reflection, or activity included.
Keep your memorial card with you — at home, in your wallet, or where ever it brings you comfort.
🌿 Plant Recommendations
Ashes to Earth™ is compatible with any plant species.
That said, the varieties below have been thoughtfully selected by landscaping experts for their resilience, beauty, and symbolism across Canadian planting zones.
Choosing your plant: Check your planting zone and sunlight levels for compatibility. Choose healthy plants from a local nursery or greenhouse. After planting, follow standard watering and care instructions.
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Maple (Acer)
Zones 5-8 | ☀️ 🌥 Range of sun needs | 3-25m tall depending on variety
Colourful and classic, in many styles and sizes.
Symbolizes: Strength, perseverence, freedomSawara Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)
Zones 3-7 | 🌤 Full to part sun | 3-6m tall
Baby blue evergreen with feathery foliage.
Symbolizes: Eternal life, protection -
Hydrangea (Hydrangea)
Zones 3-9 | 🌤 Part sun | 1-3m tall
Low maintenance with long-lasting flowers.
Symbolizes: Heartfelt emotion, gratitudeWhite Spirea (Spiraea betulifolia)
Zones 4-8 | ☀️ Full sun | 1-1.5m tall
Hardy native shrub that is pollinator-friendly.
Symbolizes: Victory over adversity, natural beauty, new hopeConeflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Zones 3-8 | ☀️ Full sun | 60-90cm tall
Easy to grow, drought-tolerant.
Symbolizes: Healing, strengthWeigela (Weigela florida)
Zones 4-8 | ☀️ ⛅ Full sun to part shade | 1.5-2.5m tall
Colourful, hardy shrub.
Symbolizes: Love, devotionRose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Zones 5-9 | ☀️ ⛅ Full sun to part shade | 2-3m tall
Long-blooming, low maintenance.
Symbolizes: Immortality, resilienceBaneberry (Actaea)
Zones 3-7 | ⛅ ☁️ Part to full shade | 60-90cm tall
Shade-loving native with striking berries.
Symbolizes: Protection, transformation -
Perfect for keeping your loved one with you as part of daily life, and through future moves.
ZZ Zenzi (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Level: Entry level
Low to bright indirect light. Low water needs (drought-tolerant), average to dry air.
Symbolizes: Prosperity, steadfast friendshipPeperomia 'Hope' (Peperomia tetraphylla)
Level: Entry level
Bright indirect light. Moderate water (allow soil to dry between waterings), average humidity. Pet-friendly.
Symbolizes: Good fortune, luckSatin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Level: Novice
Low to bright indirect light. Moderate water (allow soil to dry between waterings), average to slightly humid air. Heart-shaped leaves, air-purifying.
Symbolizes: Perseverance, determinationJade (Crassula ovata)
Level: Entry level
Bright light (some direct sun tolerated). Low water needs (succulent), dry air preferred.
Symbolizes: Good luck, prosperity, friendshipPeace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Level: Novice
Low to bright indirect light (no direct sun). Moderate to high water needs, prefers humid air. Elegant blooms.
Symbolizes: Peace, hope, renewalMaidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Level: Intermediate
Bright indirect light (no direct sun). High water needs (keep soil moist), requires humid air. Delicate, shade-loving.
Symbolizes: Discretion, sincerity
A note on plant health: Plants are living things, and their health depends on growing conditions, care, and environment. We cannot assume responsibility for plant lifespans — However, many garden centres offer warranties on their plants, so ask when purchasing. If your plant does not thrive, memorial soil can always be carefully transplanted with a new plant.
Questions?
Questions about local scattering or cremation regulations? Your funeral director can guide you through what's permitted in your area and suggest meaningful local places for spreading ashes.
Questions about your kit or the planting process?
Contact us at info@awakecanada.com — we're here to help.