Hope Eternal Gardens Featured in Boca Grande Gasparilla Island Magazine

We are honored to share that Hope Eternal Gardens has been featured in the September/October issue of Boca Grande Gasparilla Island Magazine (pages 54-58) in-depth article highlights our story, our mission, and the vision behind creating a natural burial cemetery and memorial forest in Southwest Florida. Read it: Click here!

A Vision Rooted in Love and Legacy

The feature explores how Hope Eternal Gardens was inspired by family conversations about end-of-life wishes and the desire for a more natural, meaningful way to remember loved ones. Co-founders Lauren Robie and Chris Alonso have transformed former cattle pasture in Punta Gorda into a 42-acre natural burial cemetery where families can plant forests in memory of their loved ones.

Instead of traditional vaults, manicured lawns, or chemical maintenance, Hope Eternal Gardens is committed to:

• Natural burial using biodegradable shrouds, caskets, and urns

• Ecological restoration of hydric and mesic hammocks and wetlands

• Community spaces for art, education, and remembrance

• Sustainable legacies where grief can transform into growth

The magazine feature shines a light on how cemeteries can become places of renewal – not only for families, but also for the land itself.

Why This Recognition Matters

Being highlighted in Boca Grande Gasparilla Island Magazine gives us the opportunity to share our mission with a wider audience. Many people in Florida are still learning about natural burial options, and we believe this kind of storytelling helps families see that they have choices that align with both their values and care for the environment.

Read the Full Story

The September/October issue of Boca Grande Gasparilla Island Magazine is now available in print and online. We are deeply grateful to editor Sheila Evans and the magazine team for capturing our vision so beautifully.

🌿 At Hope Eternal Gardens, every story matters – and every life deserves a legacy that grows.