in this issue

Join Us For a Walk in the Park

On Sunday, April 10th, 2011, renowned arborist Arthur Lee Jacobson will lead a walking tour of Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park. Mister Jacobson will guide tour participants through the beautiful collection of rare and significant trees we have on the grounds.

There are two opportunities to participate in the walking tree tour, the first begins at 2:00pm and runs until 3:30pm, and the second tour commences at 4:00pm and ends at 5:30pm.

To purchase tickets, please email tours@washelli.com. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Arboretum Foundation and Plant Amnesty. Our utmost thanks go to Mister Jacobson for his generosity in taking the time to be our guide. For more information, please click here.

Evergreen Washelli is proud to offer The Natural Legacy green plans. These were designed with the intent to minimize our impact on the environment.

Our plans include eco-friendly, handcrafted Sea Grass and Willow caskets, which may be used for either burial or cremation. Each casket is hand-crafted by skilled weavers and features a natural cotton interior. Also included in the earth-friendly package is a memorial or funeral service in our chapel, forget-me-not seed packets, plantable programs, and an online, paperless guestbook.

Why willow or sea grass? These plants are sustainable crops that grow quickly, require no fertilizer and are easy to harvest. In addition, willow plants can rehabilitate soil fertility and bird and insect habitat, as well as preventing erosion.

We have also introduced the zero-impact Savannah urn. With its handcrafted rattan and cotton materials and biodegradable packaging, it is a perfect choice for the ecologically-minded.

Click here to download a PDF version of our Green Burial Plans.

Click here to download a PDF version of our Green Cremation Plans.

Please inquire with one of our funeral directors for more information.

A story by Louise Lagerman

I was in the garden yesterday planting flowers around your tree like I do every year. I plant marigolds, your father’s favorite flower. He loves the strong yellow color and how they feel light and bright like you.

When he planted the tree four years ago, it was so tiny — not much more than a twig. As I gaze upon your tree today I see a strong, tall, beautiful trunk, firmly planted, reaching for the sky.

A beautiful cypress tree — that is what we wanted for you when your father planted your tree on that sunny but sad Easter morning. When we planted your tree, our hearts were heavy with missing you. We wanted to do something tangible in your memory. We picked the beautiful water cypress, a tree you always loved.

To read the rest of Louise’s story, please click here.

The Populus nigra ‘Italica’ or Lombardy Poplars on the grounds of Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park were recognized by the city of Seattle’s Heritage Tree Program on February 23rd, 2010 as a ‘Best in City’ Heritage Tree. On November 17th, 2009, the Heritage Tree Program also recognized the Ulmus americana ‘George Washington’ American elm as a Best in Neighborhood Heritage Tree.

These trees have been a rich part of Evergreen Washelli’s history since the cemetery’s inception, and the poplars are featured in Robin Shannon’s book Cemeteries of Seattle. Copies of the book are available for sale in the lobby at Evergreen Washelli.

“Evergreen Cemetery and Washelli Cemetery were at one time two separate entities. Headed north on the North Trunk Highway, Evergreen Cemetery was on the left side and Washelli Cemetery was on the right side behind the stately poplars now along Aurora Avenue.”

Also in Shannon’s book are many more photographs from the past and historical information on Evergreen Washelli and cemeteries in the surrounding area.

The George Washington Memorial Elm also has a unique history. It is the only authenticated descendant from the University of Washington elm that once stood at the entrance to Lewis Hall.