Planting for a grave

Good guy · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2016 10:24 pm Post subject: Planting for a grave

A colleague of C's recently took her to see the grave of her baby girl (almost 2) who died a year ago. Very sad affair. The friend said that it was a pity how all the flowers people kept leaving just withered and that she would love to see something growing there, but neither she nor her husband have a clue about plants.
So I'm looking for ideas - other than spring bulbs, primroses and the like, I'm a bit stuck at present. It's an exposed site but not near the sea, acid soil. I'm thinking low growing, slow growing, evergreen, seasonal interest. Needs minimal and unskilled maintenance - though who knows, looking after a little plot like this might spark greater enthusiasm?
All suggestions welcome.

Ado 2 · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2016 10:40 pm Post subject:

Maybe a carpet rose. There's a lovely pink one called The Fairy

Sue Deacon · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2016 10:43 pm Post subject:

How sad.

Might seem a little obvious, but there are some lovely low-growing heathers out there. Not the showiest of flowers, but hardy and reliable.

Greengage · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 7:52 am Post subject:

Plants in pots are what we use then they can be changed for seasonal interest.

kindredspirit · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 12:56 pm Post subject:

In Germany they use Heathers. Sounds good to me.

Greengage · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 4:04 pm Post subject:

Jan: Cyclamen and Ivy
Feb: Pansies, Violas and primula
March:Snowdrops and Daffodils and Ophiophogum (Black Grasses)
April: Daisies and Ivy
May: Hostas ( Sorry cant think) Maybe small topiary plant Box, Ligustrum,
June:Summer bedding
July: Summer bedding
August Summer bedding
Sept: Heathers
Oct: Heathers
Nov: Skimmia and Ivy.
Dec: Christmas wreath
Never plant a small gold cupressus macrocarpa. Wilma
http://plantlust.com/plants/cupressus-macrocarpa-wilma-goldcrest/

Margo · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 9:49 pm Post subject:

There are many roses with names of people. Unless the child had an unusual name perhaps a rose. Spring bulbs and heathers that the bulbs could poke through

kindredspirit · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:05 pm Post subject:

Rock Roses would be a good idea. Flower virtually all the time, spread out, suppress weeds and need no maintenance apart from a haircut once a year.

Good guy · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:10 pm Post subject:

Lots of lovely ideas, folks, thanks very much.that will help the thinking cap! I'm a bit pre-occupied at present. We had a trip to the hospital in Galway today in preparation for C having some major surgery in February. So thanks for the ideas, they have started me thinking. The area surrounding the graveyard is wild, mountainous and beautiful. I think heathers are definitely in, along with cyclamen and spring bulbs. Maybe a dwarf juniper, there is a huge variety available. Space is limited, of course.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:30 pm Post subject:

Ado 2 · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 9:35 am Post subject:

Wishing you the very best possible outcome.

Good guy · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 6:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Sue, Ado. All is well so far -it's a day at a time, this stuff, and it really helps knowing other people are thinking of you.