Going, going, green

Karen Smith

In this issue, Clive Larkman explores weeds, an area we haven’t covered in some time. Coincidentally, while driving home this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to hear an ABC radio segment discussing an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional Western-style casket for funerals.

Having navigated the emotional process of making decisions for deceased loved ones, I understand the pull toward a beautifully crafted timber coffin. However, I was intrigued to learn there’s an opportunity to create a more sustainable and personal farewell.

The radio segment featured Ms Zimmi Forest, a basket weaver from northern NSW, who runs coffin-weaving workshops that allow participants to ‘do death differently.’ While some might find this idea confronting, it carries numerous benefits.

Woven coffins are widely available, with online suppliers offering options made from high-quality vines and plants. Many promote sustainably sourced willow, though often from distant locations. Ms Forest, however, was drawn to the idea of woven coffins after being invited to weave baskets at a property where a Landcare group was removing invasive Cats Claw vine (Macfadyena unguis-cati syn. Dolichandra unguis-cati). Originally from Central America, and introduced as an ornamental plant, this vine escaped cultivation about 50 years ago and has since spread across much of eastern NSW and Queensland.

Once stripped and pruned, the vine yields long, flexible strands perfect for weaving. Ms Forest highlights its ecological advantages, as it requires minimal processing compared to conventional materials. She likens her workshops to a ‘living wake’, where loved ones can actively participate in weaving a deeply personal tribute. I imagine a great deal of love is woven into these creations. In fact, you can weave personal items into the casket.

Coffins made from Cats Claw vine meet Australian Standards and are lined with biodegradable materials, offering a sustainable and meaningful alternative to traditional options. While this approach may not appeal to everyone, it certainly provides an environmentally conscious choice. Compared to cardboard caskets, weed-based coffins biodegrade and help manage invasive species, reducing their environmental impact.

This raises an interesting question – what other practical uses could invasive weeds have? Many aggressive species, such as Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), and giant reed (Arundo donax), produce strong fibres that can be woven or compressed into durable coffin panels. These plants can be harvested, dried, and processed into fibre mats, which create biodegradable, yet sturdy, structures when bonded with natural resins.

As I write this, I’m preparing to attend the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS). In our next issue, we’ll bring you insights from the show. Meanwhile, Patrick Regnault shares valuable thoughts on gathering inspiration for garden design and plant selection. I have no doubt he’ll return from the show inspired – a just as I always do. I love to see the new plants and products on the market and how they are used. I love all the Show Gardens, Boutique Gardens and Achievable Gardens, and not to be missed, the Collectors Corner Gardenworld display in the Exhibition Centre. I could take all of that home with me. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Enjoy the read,

Karen Smith and your Hort Journal Team