Scattered human ashes are ruining the roses at Wellington's Botanic Gardens.
Increasing amounts of cremated remains are being found sprinkled within the flowerbeds at the Lady Norwood Rose Garden.
Staff are upset at having to clean up the ashes, and their high phosphate levels are damaging the roses.
Wellington City Council parks and gardens manager Paul Andrews says the ashes are often dumped straight from a container into the flowerbeds.
Mr Andrews says such actions in a high-use garden not only override council rules, but are also culturally unacceptable.
Families must acquire a council application to dispose of ashes or placentas at approved sites in Mt Victoria, Tawa, Karori or Makara.
