How Natural Burial Works
Getting Started
If you’re new to natural burial or simply curious about Larkspur, this short video is a great place to begin. Join us for a gentle introduction where you’ll learn how conservation burial works, what to expect, and how each burial helps protect and restore the land.
Continue reading for more detailed information of what Larkspur handles, the role of the funeral home, and everything else you might need.
While each burial is as unique as the individual, the same basic steps need to be completed between when a person dies.
The funeral home is responsible for the logistics and care of the deceased in the interim time between the death and burial. Larkspur will handle everything that happens at the preserve for a burial ceremony.
What Does Larkspur Do For A Natural Burial?
Larkspur’s goal is to cultivate space for a community to have the most meaningful experience possible. Our role is not to tell a family what to do, it’s to walk alongside people through their grief and make space for people to be involved in the process.
A burial at Larkspur includes:
Initial Guidance and Support
Our staff will walk you step by step through everything, and connect you with whatever resources you need. We will talk through all the possibilities of what you may want for the burial, whether it be someone to lead a service, music to be played, or setting up a picnic.
Coordination with Funeral Home
Larkspur staff will be in regular contact with both you and the funeral home caring for your loved one. We will confirm the desired day and time for the burial with the funeral home. After receiving confirmation, Larkspur will prepare the grave.
Site Selection
We will schedule an appointment for you to visit the preserve and select a space from those available. For those who are unable to physically visit the preserve we can share available options virtually, or take suggestions and select a site for you.
Preparation of the Grave
On the day of the burial, Larkspur staff arrive early to prepare the site. We will arrange seating for attendees, provide snacks and water, and decorate the space with photos and flowers. Larkspur staff will receive the body from the funeral home, and place the shrouded or casketed remains at the grave site.
Trailhead Welcome
Family and friends will arrive at the appointed time. Larkspur staff will welcome all as we gather at the trailhead, and take a moment to ground attendees so they can feel prepared for what to expect.
Burial Ceremony and Rituals:
Attendees are encouraged to journey together on a memorial hike or procession to the grave. Mobility assistance is available for those who request it.
Once at the space, those attending will have the opportunity to look at the flowers adorning the grave, touch the casket or shrouded body, and begin whatever ceremony or sharing they wish to have.
Our staff will guide attendees through lowering the casket or shrouded body into the grave when everyone is ready. Each person will have the opportunity to place either a handful or shovelful of earth back into the grave so that each person has a moment for themselves. After these ritual moments, we will join together as a community and return all of the soil to the grave.
When the grave is filled a mound will be present. Attendees then cover the mound with pine needles and any cut flowers that have been brought. While this is the conclusion of the service, family and friends are welcome to stay as long as they wish.
Cremated Remains Care at Larkspur
Many families choose cremation, but few are told what cremated remains actually are, or how they interact with the earth. At Larkspur, our care for cremated remains goes beyond scattering or conventional urn burial.
Rooted in ecological stewardship and gentle ritual, our process honors both the person and the living land—while inviting families to draw close, participate, and say goodbye with intention.
Helpful Services You Will Need From a Funeral Home
For a natural burial, only the most basic of a funeral home’s services are needed. The main tasks are:
- Basic Services of the Funeral Director and Staff
- Refrigeration
- Sanitary Care/Care Of The Body
- Transportation
Any funeral home can and should be willing to help you with a natural burial at Larkspur. Before you choose, we recommend you call multiple funeral homes to request quotes for their services. Talking to more than one will give you a sense not only of pricing, but who feels like a good fit for you and your family. If you or your family have not already decided on a funeral home, our team can help.
Most families utilize the services of a funeral home, but it is legal in Tennessee to have a “Home Funeral” in which there is no (or limited) funeral home involvement. If you are considering having a home funeral please contact us.
Pre-Arrange Your Burial At Larkspur
One of the most common questions we get is “Can I pay for my burial now?” and the answer is yes!
Pre-arrangement and pre-paying for your burial rights is absolutely possible. To learn if pre-arranging is the right strategy for you, schedule a planning session with our team.