Cementry De Wissel Dronten

From grass surfaces to seasonal experiences with bulb mixtures at De Wissel Cemetery in Dronten

How do you give disused burial plots a meaningful function without compromising the tranquility and dignity of a cemetery?

At De Wissel Cemetery in Dronten, this question was a key concern. The Municipality of Dronten sought to improve mowing regimes and management, plus add more colour to the park-like environment and offer visitors an additional experience. In collaboration with Lubbe Lisse, a pick-your-own garden concept was developed in which bulb mixtures and herbaceous mixtures reinforce one another: a design that makes the seasons visible, stimulates biodiversity and allows visitors to pick flowers themselves to place by the graves.

De Wissel is a green, park-like cemetery with mature trees, a central bell tower and its own funeral centre. Within this landscaped setting, understated grass areas have been transformed into colourful fields that evolve throughout the year. The result is not a stand-alone addition, but a planting concept that aligns with the function of the site: carefully considered, restrained, and of clear added value for both visitors and site management.

▶ Watch the project in action 

From grass surfaces to seasonal experiences with bulb mixtures

The disused burial plots have been planted with a combination of bulb mixtures and herbaceous mixtures. This creates a layered visual effect that provides early-season colour and continues to develop over time with flowering herbaceous species. The former grass areas thereby gain a new function: they remain part of the calm public space, while visibly enhancing a seasonal experience, variation, and a more natural appearance.

In a cemetery context, this balance is particularly important. Colour is welcome, but must not dominate the environment. The planting therefore compliments the park-like character of De Wissel and creates a softer transition between the functional layout of the cemetery and the personal, emotional value visitors attach to the place.

Balancing maintenance, tranquility and appearance in a public green space

For municipalities and managers, a planting concept is only truly effective when appearance and maintenance are in balance. At De Wissel, a design was therefore chosen that adds more colour and biodiversity, while remaining compatible with public space management. By using bulb mixtures and herbaceous mixtures, a more natural appearance is created that relies less on intensive mowing and changes visibly throughout the season.

At the same time, the function of the cemetery remained the guiding principle. The planting had to provide a calm subtle effect and lend itself to the cemetery. The result is a well-maintained, colourful interpretation that contributes to the site’s appearance while leaving space for silence, reflection and daily visitors.

Collaboration and implementation in a public space

This project was realised in collaboration with:

• Municipality of Dronten
• Cementry De Wissel

Would you like to read more about this project? Please click on this link.

Do you want to create impact with flower bulbs as well?

Would you like to enhance a public space with a bulb planting concept that creates an experience, colour and identity?

We would be please to advise and work alongside you with a design that fits your location, budget and ambitions.