Hi everyone! I'm in a bit of a situation. Back in 2017, after my mom passed away, I created a memorial garden in my yard and buried her ashes in a simple packet right in the middle. I wasn't thinking ahead, and now, in 2025, I'm facing homelessness because my landlord isn't paying the mortgage. I'm trying to remember where I buried her ashes, but since it was just a packet, I'm not sure what to look for when digging them up. I realize now that I should have used a container and marked the spot, but I just wanted to help her find peace at the time. I'd really appreciate any advice on what happens to ashes in the ground and how I might go about retrieving them.
3 Answers
You might find it helpful to think of this garden as a living memorial. If the packet was made of paper or something natural, the ashes would have mixed into the soil. It’s the cycle of life! If you want to take a piece with you, you could just dig up some soil. It’s a meaningful way to keep her memory close.
It sounds like you're in a tough spot. Remember, your mother’s ashes have likely mixed with the soil and contributed to the life in your garden. If the packet was plastic, it might still be there, but if it's biodegradable, her remains have probably returned to nature by now. You could consider digging up some soil and bringing it with you to keep her memory alive wherever you go.
Totally understand how you feel. If the packet was sealed, you may find it intact. Just take your time digging carefully in the area you remember. If it’s biodegradable, her ashes are now part of the earth, nurturing plants around. Maybe collecting some soil from the garden could be a good compromise!