Need Help for Cemetery Plot (second try)

15 years ago

We finally got a stone for our daughter at the cemetery and now I need to find something unique to do with this plot. She loved pink and blue flowers and I'm going to plant a lot of creeping pink thyme right in front of the stone, but I'm hoping you can help me come up with something unique - maybe for very low fencing, a really neat planter or planters (and where I'd place them on the lot). I want to plant some nice low perennials for a 'base' to work from every year with annuals. This stone is on the far right of the lot and probably has about 3-4 feet between the stone and the 'road' (just a little bumpy dirt lane). I've attached two copies of the stone - one so you can see how low to the ground it is and the second on a better day so you can see the coloring I need to work with on the plaque. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!!! She was pretty unique so I really want to make this special for her. Thanks! Cindy (This is my second try - if both pics don't show up, I'll re-post with the second one - sorry!!)

Image link:

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:136074}}

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

megsateennow
Original Author
15 years ago
I give up!! I can't get the other picture of the plaque on the stone. It is a low slanted black granite stone that the plaque is mounted on. I'm terrible with dimensions, but I would guess it's maybe 1 1/2 to 2 feet tall ?!?
TwoMonths
15 years ago
I think if you walked thru another area of the cemetery and looked at what others did, maybe even in another one in town, that you would get a feeling for what you might like to do. I think soft and simplicity would be best. I have seen some with small shepherd hooks with small wind chimes that can be changed with the holiday and season that are nice. Maybe put a stone box by it so you could write notes and memories and place in side. Clean them out often.
Related Discussions
weed problem in veg plot ... need help
Q
Comments (29)
I have just planted dandelions, purslane, millet, wild lettuce in my garden beds to improve the soil. Weeds bring up many minerals that the veggies don't. I am not sure where the hate of weeds ever came from. Weeds improve the soil. I noticed in a bed when mulch was thin, and the grass came up through it, the English peas did better than in areas with thick (weedless) mulch, so now I encourage my weeds. The peas were more productive, and healthier. I have a notil garden, so I guess that is why. Constant tillage promotes weeds. Nature is trying to fix what we broke. Nature abhors bare ground. The more bare ground you have, the more weeds you will have. The more you til the worse your "so called" weed problem will be. When I needed to plant into a bed covered in weeds, I weed wacked it. I am sure it was faster and easier than chemicals or pulling. This was only to allow sun to hit the newly planted seeds and to provide mulch for the hungry soil life. Mostly I did this, to install a trellis for my cowpeas. I hate digging to insert the poles, but this is a one time thing (until the poles rot), so soil life should not be too angry with me. I was not interested in "killing" the weeds, just making them shorter. I use soil plugs in the mulch so I do not have to pull the mulch back to sow seeds. Seeds will not sprout where plants already exists thicky, which is the main reason I thick we got the idea weeds are bad. Just cut back the weeds where you plant the seed and and area around the spot to allow sun to hit it. Pulling weeds or crops is a no no for me. The roots aerate the soil, and provide food for the soil life after they die. Rootless soil get compacted easily and is very bad for soil life. When alive, any sort of roots are teaming with life to help your garden. Gardeners should get more in tune with nature (and the way God made earth's garden) and promote life not death, by killing weeds, pests, fungus, earthworms and other soil life. When killing is focused on, the work load increases. If soil life is killed by gardening practices that do not respect soil life, you will have to use fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and more water. Pests only are attracted to sick plants. Weeds only show up where they are needed. Feed the soil, not the plants. I planted cowpeas directly in the sod. It performed better than the mulched bed. The American Indians only weeded right around the freshly sown corn seeds, to help it to sprout and to let it get sunlight, but when the corn got taller they did not waste time on such silliness. I think that weeding came into vogue from places with extremely short and cold summers, like england. I guess the theory is, that bare soil is warmer. Everywhere else weeding is really not necessary. I think to emulate nature is the easiest way to garden. Here is some info on nature's way. The Weeds as Indicators Of Soil Conditions The Weeds Friends or Foe? The Using Weeds as Indicators of Turf Management and Environmental Conditions Soil Indicator Weeds Soil What Weeds Can Tell You About Your Garden Soil Controlling weeds and pests Soil Healthy Naturally Weed Power - Weeds and What they Mean If you are at battle with your weeds and like everything to look neat and tidy, then the newspaper and mulch thing works great. I had no weeds when I have used that technique. Mulch is hard to come by here in July and August in Texas, unless I plan to waste water by watering the yard to get the grass to grow in the heat of summer. That is how I decided to go with the flow and use nature's way to keep the soil cooler and moisture in by allowing weeds to get tall. The longer the weed's roots, the farther down water will penetrate.
...See More
Need Help for Cemetery Plot
Q
Comments (1)
Well, THAT didn't work (the pics) - let me try again.
...See More
Putting Laundy on second floor, trying not to screw up.
Q
Comments (1)
There is no such thing as making the floor too stiff. Adding cross blocks between the joists helps. The laundry room is best situated next to a support wall with a corner being best. Put down 3/4 in plywood in the entire laundryroom over the existing floor. Add your cement board to the top of the plywood.
...See More
Crabby Questions - Second Try
Q
Comments (15)
That IS a fabulous price, I'd also stock up. Here I only find crab legs, frozen, and they're always about $10 a pound. As for the lemon brownies, here's that recipe originally posted by Marilyn. I double the lemon juice because I like an intense lemon flavor and I add 1/2 tsp of baking powder because Ashley likes them a bit lighter and less dense. The baking powder does give them more of a cake like texture and less dense than brownies, so it depends on the texture you're looking for: Lemon Brownies 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter; room temperature 4 eggs Juice from 1/2 lemon Zest from 1 lemon 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Additional lemon zest for garnish Preheat oven to 350Â°. Line the bottom only of a 9X13X2-inch baking dish with Parchment paper and spray with Pam. In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar and salt; add butter. Stir together eggs, juice from 1/2 lemon and zest from 1 lemon; stir into batter and pour into prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and cool on a rack. When brownies are cool prepare glaze by stirring together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoon lemon juice; drizzle over brownies and sprinkle with additional lemon zest. These are really good too, originally posted by Carol (dishesdone): Lemon Custard Cakes Unsalted butter, room temperature, for custard cups 3 large eggs, separated 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 to 3 teaspoons grated lemon zest (1 lemon) 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup milk 1/4 teaspoon salt ConfectionersÂ sugar, for dusting Preheat oven to 350Â°. Set a kettle of water to boil. Butter six 6-ounce custard cups and place in a dish towel-lined baking dish or roasting pan. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until light; whisk in flour. Gradually whisk in lemon juice, then milk and zest. With an electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Add to lemon batter and fold in gently with a whisk (batter will be quite liquid). Divide batter among prepared custard cups; place baking dish in oven and fill with boiling water to reach halfway up sides of cups. Bake until puffed and lightly browned (but pudding is still visible in bottom), 20 to 25 minutes. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, dusted with confectionersÂ sugar. from Everyday Food It all sounds delicious, from the crab to the lemon dessert, yum. Annie
...See More
pattico_gw
15 years ago
Oh my...she was so young...How sad...Sorry....((((HUGS))))

patti
nanagrandma
15 years ago
How nice of your cememtary to let you decorate her area. Our little cemetary does not. But how about a small arbor with pink climbing roses.
I feel for you we lost our grandson 4 years ago 0n July 23 2005, he was almost 20.

God Bless and send us a photo of what you decided to do.

Sylvia
katishooked
15 years ago
I agree with Twomonths, something simple, maybe something meaningful to you and your daughter would be special. Good luck.
Marlene Kindred
15 years ago
Cindy~

I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter was so young. If the cemetery will allow, I would suggest planting a small tree like a japanese maple or even a rose of some type. Then, rather than plant the entire plot, you might want to keep it smaller up around the headstone. You could edge the bed with liriope and plant inside of that. You could even try planting a small evergreen (make sure it's a compact version) That way, you could decorate the tree seasonally if you chose to. I wish you the best.
sweetkountry
15 years ago
Megsateennow I am so sorry for your loss.
How about pink Sweetheart Roses? Then maybe some blue lobelia (annual) in the summer. Or Chinese forget me nots as they are pretty drought tolerant. They are also annuals but they reseed pretty well.

I like the idea of the box to leave notes. It would give you a chance to leave her the things you are thinking and would like to say to her.
auntyara
15 years ago
Dear Megsateennow,

I'm so sorry for your loss of such a beautiful daughter.
so young.

maybe a ring of alyssums ( i think they come in pink shades)
and in the center a blue salvia.

I will be doing white alyssum with a red salvia.

well, my husband will. i can't bear to go there.

I am hopeful that some day time will dull my pain.
thank you for giving a grieving mother hope.
luna_llena_feliz
15 years ago
What a lovely plaque! Megan is very beautiful. Seeing her picture makes knowing you lost her all the more sorrowful. I am so very sorry for your loss.

You know, it is hard to come up with ideas without knowing Megan so I went online to see if I could find anything and found your photo albums on Webshots. Boy, she was a pretty and vivacious girl and very artistic! I can fully understand why you want her place to be very, very special. I found the picture of her headstone, here it is ...

{{gwi:136075}}

I like nanagrandma's idea of the arbor. The stone looks almost black so I think a black metal arbor would be gorgeous with pink roses growing over her headstone. Maybe attach a mailbox to it for the messages like twomonths suggested. You could make color copies of some of her artwork and decoupage it on the mailbox. You could hang small things from the arbor like little angel ornaments, pictures of family and pets and windchimes (maybe a cow or two) too. Depending upon how much room you have for planting, you could even make glass totems on top of a bud vase placed over some rebar pounded into the ground. It could be made of pink and blue glass pieces. That way it would be off the ground and making it easier for grass cutting.

I think once you start putting things together, it will give you greater comfort knowing you are keeping her memory alive and staying close to her. Just spending time with her, planting flowers, will help. I really like your idea of making her place something special and uniquely hers.
megsateennow
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you to everyone for your thoughtfulness and sympathy. The reason it took me so long to get the stone in there was I had to find JUST the right stone for her - she was very unique. I watch other cemeteries, yards, etc. all the time to try to get ideas. Just haven't found what I want yet - I think I'll know it when I see it or hear it. lol It's tough to live up to Meg's uniqueness. lol Cindy (megsateennow@aol.com)
nonacook
15 years ago
Megsateennow, I am so sorry about the loss of your daughter.
I am sure you will find what you want to do the gravesite. May God be with you.

AuntYara, I am also sorry for the loss of your son.
May God's angels be with you and help you to cope.
What you plan sounds pretty to me.
I read your 'page'.
sweetkountry
15 years ago
How about a stepping stone, filled with things that represent the things that she liked or were important to her?

For instance if she enjoyed shopping, then you could use Barbie clothes to imprint the stone then paint them. If she liked jewelry, put in some costume jewelry. If she enjoyed the outdoors you could use moss and stones. If she was into sports you could use mini balls and etc.
Purplemoon
15 years ago
Cindy, and AuntYara, my heart absolutely breaks for both of you.
I think your plans, Cindy, to make her grave a special place, sounds wonderful. It will help you heal, and I think she would love whatever you choose to do.

AuntYara, I read your mypage too. If you stay here with us, don't feel that your pain would drive us off. Please come over to the Conversations side of the Forum where we talk about our personal lives. We share joys and sorrows, tears and prayers abound there at times. The caring and support has seen a number of us thru some very dark times.
It might help you, sometimes talking to strangers is easier and then you find they've suddenly become friends.
This Forum is a blessing to many of us. And you are not alone in your pain, which sometimes helps to know.

I can't imagine losing a child, tho I came very close to doing so. Lean on others when you can.

hugs, Karen
concretenprimroses
15 years ago
Cindy, I'm so sorry about the loss of your lovely daughter. I like the ideas in the posts, and I think that the thyme will be very nice.
Other plant ideas: I have noticed that creeping phlox often thrives in cemeteries, as long as it blooms before lawn mowing time which I think it would in Maine. Some types are lower growing than others.
There are spring bulbs which will naturalize in grass. One of my favorites is chionodoxa (which may be a type of squill or scilla). They bloom and go by before mowing time as well (except maybe for super fertilized lawns) I am posting a link to some. Mine are all blue, but I think they come in pink and white as well.
Be sure to post pics as you progress with your plans.
kathy

Here is a link that might be useful: Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa)
sugarmaple
15 years ago
Megsateennow and Auntyara- I'm so sorry for your loss. I think a memory garden is a great idea. I made one for my mom and dad just last fall. It's still in the beginning stages. I went to their house and dug some bulbs last fall and planted them at my house. I know that isn't something you can do but I like the idea of using her favorite colors for the flowers and the suggestions of using her favorite things.
Luna - it was so nice of you to help Cindy by taking the time to search the web for her photo's. You are an angel in disguise. Colleen
jeannespines
15 years ago
Everyone has such wonderful ideas for you, megsateen...whichever you use will certainly be an honor for your daughter's resting place. May you find peace and understanding as you meet this challenge...your LOVE is already shining through!

auntyara...your flowers sound wonderful...God bless. Jeanne S.

Need Help for Cemetery Plot (second try)

Comments (16)

megsateennow
Original Author

TwoMonths

Related Discussions

pattico_gw

nanagrandma

katishooked

Marlene Kindred

sweetkountry

auntyara

luna_llena_feliz

megsateennow
Original Author

nonacook

sweetkountry

Purplemoon

concretenprimroses

sugarmaple

jeannespines

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Need Help for Cemetery Plot (second try)

Comments (16)

megsateennowOriginal Author

Related Discussions

megsateennowOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

megsateennow
Original Author

megsateennow
Original Author