This year, Hillside Cemetery joined the Arbor Day celebration with something special. On Friday, Apr. 25, Hillside planted 12 flowering cherry trees and six fragrant lilac bushes in an effort made possible by a generous anonymous donor supporting Hillside’s ongoing efforts to be both a peaceful resting place and a vibrant, living landscape.
Arbor Day, which is all about trees — planting them, caring for them and appreciating everything they do for humans — was created by J. Sterling Morton in 1872 in Nebraska, and has since become a national celebration of the vital role trees play in our world. From cleaning the air and providing shade to supporting wildlife and making natural surroundings more beautiful, trees are quiet heroes in the everyday.
Hillside Cemetery was recently designated a Level I Arboretum by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program — a recognition of its commitment to maintaining a diverse, healthy, and well-documented collection of trees. The Level I status reflects the early stages of arboretum development, including efforts to label species, educate the public, and manage plantings thoughtfully. With its gently rolling hills, historic gravestones, and increasingly varied plantings, Hillside is becoming not just a resting place for loved ones, but a destination for reflection, beauty, and nature appreciation.
The 12 flowering cherry trees that were planted this Arbor Day are not just any trees — they are successive bloomers, chosen specifically to extend the period of color and beauty across the spring season. Visitors will be treated to a long-lasting display of delicate blossoms, each tree blooming in its own time, creating a wave of pinks and whites that shifts and evolves week by week. The lilac bushes, planted nearby, will add layers of fragrance and charm, contributing to an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
These thoughtful additions will not only enhance the visual appeal of the cemetery but also contribute to the long-term health of its ecosystem. Trees and shrubs provide important habitats for birds and pollinators, help prevent erosion, and offer shade.
“As Hillside Cemetery continues to grow its arboretum collection, we invite the community to see the cemetery not just as a place of memory, but as a living landscape. On this Arbor Day, the act of planting is a symbol of hope, beauty, and stewardship — for today, and for generations to come,” said Hillside Executive Administrator Pamela Brown.
Hillside Cemetery is a non-sectarian cemetery owned and managed by the Wilton Congregational Church. For more information, please visit the Hillside Cemetery website or reach out via email.