From grass to seasonal colour with flower bulb mixtures

Unused burial plots were planted with a combination of flower bulb mixtures and wildflower mixtures. This creates a layered planting scheme that brings colour early in the season and then develops further as the wildflowers come into bloom.

The former grass areas now have a new purpose. They remain part of the calm surroundings, while also adding seasonal colour, variety and a more natural character.

This balance is particularly important in a cemetery. Colour can be present without becoming dominant. The planting therefore complements the park-like character of De Wissel and creates a gentle transition between the functional layout of the cemetery and the personal and emotional meaning the site has for visitors.

Picking flowers as part of remembering

An important part of the concept is that visitors are allowed to pick flowers and place them on a grave. The planting therefore has more than a visual purpose; it also has a personal meaning.

Visitors can pick a small bouquet on site and use it to remember someone they have lost.

This simple act gives the pick-your-own garden an important role. The flowers are not just there to look at; they invite visitors to interact with their surroundings. The cemetery therefore becomes more than a place where green space is carefully maintained. It also becomes a place where planting can support remembrance, reflection and connection.

Balancing maintenance, tranquillity and character

For local authorities and those responsible for managing green spaces, a planting concept needs to balance visual appeal with practical maintenance.

At De Wissel, the planting was designed to add colour and biodiversity while fitting into the existing maintenance approach. The combination of flower bulb mixtures and wildflower mixtures creates a more natural appearance, with less reliance on intensive mowing and a planting scheme that changes visibly throughout the season.

At the same time, the function of the cemetery remained the starting point. The planting needed to create a sense of calm rather than becoming distracting.

The result is a well-maintained and colourful setting that adds to the character of the cemetery while leaving space for quiet, reflection and the people who visit every day.

Collaboration and implementation in public space

The planting was carried out in October 2025 on behalf of the Municipality of Dronten. Lubbe Lisse was responsible for the implementation and carefully coordinated the work with the cemetery manager and the planning team.

As De Wissel is in daily use and funerals always take priority, the work required careful planning and an approach suited to the sensitive nature of the location.

Around 230 m² was planted mechanically with flower bulbs. A further 350 m² was sown with a wildflower mixture.

Together, these planting types create a scheme that combines several objectives: early flowering, natural development as the season progresses and continued value for biodiversity and visitors.

A pick-your-own garden that supports biodiversity

The mixture was carefully selected to include a wide range of species. Some are well suited to picking and therefore directly support the use of the pick-your-own garden.

Other species, such as crocuses and alliums, are less suitable for picking but have an important ecological function. They contribute to biodiversity and provide food for insects at different times throughout the season.

The project shows that a pick-your-own garden in a cemetery can be more than a colourful addition. The planting supports the concept, adds ecological value and makes the public space more attractive for both people and nature.

It is this combination that makes the concept relevant to local authorities looking for meaningful and future-focused ways to develop their green spaces.

What this cemetery shows

De Wissel shows how flower bulb and wildflower mixtures can contribute to places where tranquillity, maintenance and seasonal interest need to work together.

By rethinking a functional grass area, space was created for planting that does more than simply add colour. The pick-your-own garden makes the seasons visible, gives visitors the opportunity to do something personal and supports biodiversity at the same time.

For the Municipality of Dronten, this creates a public space that better reflects how the site is used and experienced. For visitors, it provides a setting where they can pause, choose flowers and give remembrance a tangible form.

In this way, planting becomes more than part of the appearance of the cemetery. It also becomes part of what gives the place meaning.

Want to make better use of green space in public areas?

Would you like to enhance public space with flower bulb mixtures, wildflower mixtures or a planting concept that suits your location and your needs?

Lubbe Lisse would be happy to work with you on a planting scheme that brings together colour, biodiversity, seasonal interest and practical maintenance.