Scattering of ashes ruining roses

The covert scattering of human ashes in Wellington's Botanic Garden is ruining the roses for the living.

Human ashes are increasingly being found on flower beds in the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, which is not only upsetting for the gardeners, but detrimental to the roses as ashes contain a high concentration of phosphate.

"We understand people are only trying to carry out the wishes of their deceased loved ones by scattering their ashes," Wellington City Council parks and gardens manager Paul Andrews said.

"However (the garden) is not the right place to do it."

Anyone wanting to scatter ashes on public land must make an application to the council, but will be unlikely to be given permission to use the gardens.

Areas of high public use or cultural significance were deemed off limits.

Mr Andrews said there were four sites where a commemorative tree scheme operated, allowing people to buy a tree and bury ashes or a placenta during its planting.

There were no controls of the scattering of ashes at sea.

- NZPA