How to Maintain a Cemetery Plot

Take care of your loved ones even after they are gone by making their final resting place special. You can honor their memories by creating a beautiful place that you and others can visit; one that reflects who they are to you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Trinkets and mementos
• Religious icons like crosses and angels
• Candles
• Flowers and other plants
• Gardening tools

1. Follow the wishes of your loved one. Check the will and talk to other family members. Find out if your loved one had special wishes like having a garden or a tree nearby. If your loved one wished to be cremated, obey those instructions even if you disagree with the choice.
2. Talk to cemetery personnel. Find out if they cut the grass, garden and water the area. You may not need to do all the work yourself.
3. Keep the person's memory alive. Add trinkets to the plot that remind you of your loved one. Decorate it in a way that honors your memory of them.
4. Follow your religious beliefs or the religious beliefs of the deceased. You may want to hang a cross on the tombstone, add candles or place angels nearby.
5. Plant flowers around the tombstone if you are allowed, or add pots of flowers instead. Make the cemetery plot beautiful with colorful flowers and plants.
6. Keep the cemetery plot clean by pulling weeds, tending flowers, clipping bushes and trimming grass. Remove any garbage you find.
7. Add letters, photos, toys and mementos to help you stay close to your loved one and to show your affection. You might want to add a bench so that you and others can sit with your loved one.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow your heart and you will know what to place around the cemetery plot.
• Don't plant anything without asking first. There are probably rules you need to follow. Also remember that some cemeteries won't allow you to use artificial flowers or plants, no matter how nice they look.