Guidelines for Cemetery Conservation - National Trust of Australia

GUIDELINES FOR CEMETERY CONSERVATION
PART THREE - HOW
In many cases, funds and effort are wasted and even counterproductive,
spent on inappropriately strict “beautification”
Some visitors may object to the resulting aesthetics, but the National Trust believes that it is
acceptable for an old cemetery to show that it is old and not in active use, providing that
important values are protected. It is open to individuals to arrange a greater level of
maintenance on plots where they have an interest.
2.3.2 Grave plantings
In older cemeteries plants have sometimes spread from individual graves and become
naturalised. They do not damage the cemetery and in many cases contribute substantially to
the aesthetic and nostalgic qualities and to the cultural significance. These qualities should
not be destroyed by excessive mowing, trimming or poisoning.
Bulbs and self-sown annuals may be only apparent at certain seasons, so any work must be
guided by observations made and recorded over a full year, involving both native plants and
introduced species – many of which may now be unfashionable. This aspect needs great care
and a good deal of expertise. Pretty or rare small flowers may need the shade and protection
of a “weed” with which they share a grave plot. The presence of such rarities (and hence the
value of the “weeds”) may only be apparent to a practised eye, and then only at certain times.
In the case of the slightest doubt, expert advice is needed before any action.
2.3.3 Native vegetation
Remnant stands of native vegetation should be retained wherever practicable. The use of
herbicide in these areas should be avoided and mowing should be kept to a minimum.
Unmown grasses are not generally a problem. Native grasses in many instances add to the
visual quality of the cemetery by providing a textured background, and by retarding the
spread of weeds. They also have natural heritage value in their own right. Mowing of major
paths only is generally recommended.
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