Tips For Upkeep Of Grave.

[Patsy33]

Wasn't sure where to put this but my FIL's grave needs some love and attention. Starting to look a bit unloved. Somebody suggested putting top soil on then put winter/ spring plants in. We have a flower holder under engraved stone. Just wants some tips & advice. Thanks.

[Tilly2]

First, find out what the policy is about planting things on the grave. Some churchyards and cemeteries don't allow plants because they like to run over it all with a mower.

[ummmm]

Has it actually got it's own enclosed patch.

[Patsy33]

Yes it has ummmmm
People do put plants on.

[Prudie]

Tilly makes a good point, I wanted to plant Spring bulbs on my mum's but her cemetery don't allow it. Flowers only on the headstone.

[Patsy33]

I noticed s grave very close by had a load of like purple polyanthus type flowers planted. I don't think they're too strict in this particular church grave.

[bookbinder]

If you want easy maintenance; and if your grave has a raised kerb; and if the graveyard authorities have no objection, how about using white gravel or pebbles?
http://www.diy.com/departments/outdoor-and-garden/stone-gravel-and-chippings/white/_/N-e6kZ1z140a6

[ummmm]

If it's his own patch then I see many with gravel. Weed it if it's needs it and put down a membrane to stop further weeds and gravel on top. Then you can place flowers/ornaments/plants which can be replaced as and when.

My family only have the headstone type graves so we're limited like Tilly and Prudie says...but all ours have flags and plants/flowers by the headstone.

[Patsy33]

I like the bookbinder! Thank you. Something to consider.

[Patsy33]

Thanks ummmm.

[Tilly2]

My only advice is that, after following others' very good advice, make sure you keep it maintained. Things get out of hand and tatty very quickly.

[Patsy33]

I know Tilly. Thanks for advice.

[murraymints]

no planting allowed where dad is...cut flowers in vases or wee pot in integral pot holder.. because of grass cutting machines...

[Eleena]

You can pay a company for grave care maintenance Patsy.

[Patsy33]

Thanks murrymints. Just got the one integral flower holder, so vases of flowers would be nice. I like to see flowers.
I suppose we could always ask maintainance person to keep it tidy Eleena. Perhaps now and again but think it's nice for us to do it.

[Eleena]

As far as I know Patsy, you can arrange how often it's done. Yes of course I understand it's nice to tend it yourself x

[Eleena]

Also Patsy, the weather isn't always kind to fresh flowers. A nice silk flower arrangement lasts a while when fresh flowers wilt, so there's always flowers there. I've bought quite a few silk arrangements from ebay ( silk flower grave pot) Look for one described as (flat back) which means the back sits flush to the stone.

[Tilly2]

Whatever you put on needs to be firmly anchored. Graveyards can be draughty places.

[Eleena]

Agree with Tilly.

[Patsy33]

Good words of advice Eleena and Tilly. I shall look out for some artificial flowers. Good idea.