A brief article about managing vegetation in cemeteries. Grave Advice. Looking after country cemeteries

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Clinton Denis Bryan
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A brief article about managing vegetation in cemeteries Grave Advice Looking after country cemeteries Cemeteries are special places Cemeteries along with some roadsides and rail reserves have become

1 A brief article about managing vegetation in cemeteries Grave Advice Looking after country cemeteries Cemeteries are special places Cemeteries along with some roadsides and rail reserves have become important places for seeing native plants as many other areas have long since disappeared with farming and houses taking over. Such remnants are very important as they may support threatened, rare or endangered species. They also give us an idea of what used grow in that area, provide seeds for revegetation projects and provide habitat for their own group of animals and insects. Country cemeteries not only have small patches of native plants but some have unusual varieties of exotic plants as well. Old roses varieties thought long lost, unusual trees line paths and mark entrances and bulbs like ixias, double daffodils, bluebells, snow drops, watsonia spring up around the graves. Who is does all the work? Management of country cemeteries is by an elected voluntary trust. Under the Cemetery Act, the trustees are responsible for development and maintenance of plantings, structures, buildings, paths, gates, walls, fences and drains. People plant a range of different plants and many symbolize how they feel about their loved ones. Roses meant love, ivy was for friendship, and rosemary for remembrance. Periwinkle was a symbol of sweet remembrance and early friendship. Parents planted it to gently trail over their child s grave. Featherheads, Ptilotus macrocarpus, at Rokewood cemetery Some of the introduced plants have now become a maintenance problem. A plan is needed to manage the culturally important exotic plants and the valuable native vegetation. The trustees are not responsible for the maintenance of the graves. Tombstones are the private property of the people who erected them. Before any work is done to tombstones permission needs to be gained from the executor or surviving relatives. Special points of interest: Many country cemeteries contain rare plants A simple management plan provides guidance on what work to do and how to do it. Native vegetation is protected by legislation Inside this issue: More than a resting place What is native vegetation Working cemeteries Keeping up appearances Safety issues 4 Trustees responsibilities Information, tours, brochures 5 6

Page 2 Grave Advice More than a resting place Cemeteries are more than areas where we bury the dead.

People bury their loved ones and come an pay their respects, others research family history and local history and others

Lemon Beauty-heads may be seen in the spring Gravestones and iron surrounds, design of ironwork and gates often hold the

Gold mining or other early settler history may be portrayed in the wording and while paper records may be lost,

There are often good patches of local native plants which may be a source of indigenous plants for revegetation or that

In some cemeteries university students and others interested in plant ecology, make yearly visits to study the

trustees and visitors have to be aware of legislation in relation to managing native vegetation as well.

Not only do they have to be aware of the legislation that governs how they directly manage the cemetery for burials and

Listed below is some of legislation trustees need to be aware of that relates to burials, conservation of historic

Cemetery Act 2003, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999,

Kangaroo grass is commonly found in cemeteries Native grassland remnants are becoming rare and if the cemetery has

2 Page 2 Grave Advice More than a resting place Cemeteries are more than areas where we bury the dead. Today they have cultural, historical and ecological significance. People bury their loved ones and come an pay their respects, others research family history and local history and others come to look at native plants or find old species of bulbs and roses. Lemon Beauty-heads may be seen in the spring Gravestones and iron surrounds, design of ironwork and gates often hold the last remnants of the local craftsman s work. The symbols and inscriptions also interest some visitors. Gold mining or other early settler history may be portrayed in the wording and while paper records may be lost, gravestones if maintained, provide the missing link. There are often good patches of local native plants which may be a source of indigenous plants for revegetation or that provide valuable native fauna habitat. More often there are rare plants found nowhere else. In some cemeteries university students and others interested in plant ecology, make yearly visits to study the wildflowers. All we have to do is mow the grass! trustees and visitors have to be aware of legislation in relation to managing native vegetation as well. Along with the changing attitudes to cemeteries comes added responsibility for the trustees. Not only do they have to be aware of the legislation that governs how they directly manage the cemetery for burials and all that entails, trustees and visitors have to be aware of legislation in relation to managing native vegetation as well. They also have to consider how they maintain the cemetery in relation to visitor safety. Listed below is some of legislation trustees need to be aware of that relates to burials, conservation of historic graves, native vegetation, fencing, weed and pest animal control. Cemetery Act 2003, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Planning and Environment Act 1987, Heritage Act 1995 and Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 W hat is native vegetation? Native vegetation includes all plants indigenous (native) to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. Kangaroo grass is commonly found in cemeteries Native grassland remnants are becoming rare and if the cemetery has kangaroo grass it is an indicator species for remnants that have been conservatively managed and had minimal disturbance. If you have a diversity of native wildflowers in the spring such as lilies, peas, daisies you may have an important patch of vegetation. There should also be open areas of native grasses with gaps in between with areas of soil and lichens visible. The clumps or tussocks of perennial grasses will include kangaroos grass, wallaby grass, spear grass and poa grasses. This together with a fairly weeds free site indicates a well managed patch of native vegetation.

Looking after country cemeteries Page Working in the cemeter y I nsi de Stor y Head l ine Most country cemeteries require a relatively low level of maintenance in keeping with their natural setting.

Developing a simple site and management plan assists the trustees and members of the community to understand what is required of them and how to undertake various activities safely.

Place a copy of the guidelines near the entrance to the cemetery so that visitors understand that there is a range of legal requirements that apply to the trust members and the general public that

Wallaby grass behind a wrought iron grave surround Keeping up appearances There are quite a few aspects to consider when thinking about the best way to keep the cemetery looking like someone cares

Raising the cutting height keeps the grass healthier in summer. Mowing the grass too short allows some weeds like oxalis and flatweeds to take over.

If there are native plants present, the timing of when and how long to graze is very important. Orchids, lilies and native grasses and other plants need to be allowed to flower and set seed.

Some cemeteries are burnt regularly as the best way to manage the native vegetation. This benefits the native plants and helps control some weeds.

3 Looking after country cemeteries Page Working in the cemeter y I nsi de Stor y Head l ine Most country cemeteries require a relatively low level of maintenance in keeping with their natural setting. Occasional mowing of the main paths to provide clear access around the graves, some weed control and picking up the odd piece of rubbish, keeps the cemetery in order. Developing a simple site and management plan assists the trustees and members of the community to understand what is required of them and how to undertake various activities safely. A management plan provides guidance and a continuity of management should trustees retire and new ones continue the work. Place a copy of the guidelines near the entrance to the cemetery so that visitors understand that there is a range of legal requirements that apply to the trust members and the general public that help to protect cemeteries. Wallaby grass behind a wrought iron grave surround Keeping up appearances There are quite a few aspects to consider when thinking about the best way to keep the cemetery looking like someone cares for it. Small country cemeteries do not have to be mown every week. Keeping the main paths mown is important but other areas may only need to be mown a couple of times a year. Raising the cutting height keeps the grass healthier in summer. Mowing the grass too short allows some weeds like oxalis and flatweeds to take over. Grazing is sometimes an option for keeping the grass down but care needs to be taken around old fragile graves. If there are native plants present, the timing of when and how long to graze is very important. Orchids, lilies and native grasses and other plants need to be allowed to flower and set seed. Avoid dumping soil and rubbish onto areas of good native vegetation. Choose areas that are already degraded. Soil and rubbish heaps may become a source of weeds. Some cemeteries are burnt regularly as the best way to manage the native vegetation. This benefits the native plants and helps control some weeds. Care needs to be taken when just burning heaps of rubbish and branches as new weeds will often invade these areas. Have one place set aside to do this away from overhanging branches and away from the frequently visited areas. Trees often have heritage values as well as providing shade and character to the site. Avoid building up gardens around their base as it may cause entry points for fungi and kill the tree. Maintain regular checks on the trees to make sure they are healthy and have no dead branches. Weed control is sometimes the most difficult aspect of cemetery maintenance. Effective weed control begins by making sure you have accurately identified the plant and knowing the best methods to control them. Seek advice if unsure. Weed control around graves needs care as using a whipper snipper may damage the stone. Herbicide use needs to be kept to small areas. Some cemeteries are burnt regularly as the best way to manage the native vegetation. Pink bindweed amongst native grasses 3

Relying on one method may result in different weeds becoming a bigger problem. Be aware of herbicide resistance if you continually use only one chemical as some weeds become harder to kill.

4 Page 4 Grave Advice Using too much herbicide leaves large unsightly patches of dead vegetation that is likely to be invaded by new weeds. Use more than one method to control weeds There are various weed control methods available and the best control should include a combination of methods. Relying on one method may result in different weeds becoming a bigger problem. Be aware of herbicide resistance if you continually use only one chemical as some weeds become harder to kill. Take due care to minimize the impacts on plants you don t want to kill. Methods may include: Mechanical control by slashing, mulching and mowing. Physical removal by hand, picking off seeds heads, chipping, digging out bulbs, felling wildlings. Chemical control by spraying with approved herbicides: spot spraying, wick-wiping, cut & paint, drill or frill. Burning directly with fire or steam or spot burning with a flame weeder. Changing management practices so that machinery is washed down before it comes in the cemetery, or making sure bare areas are sown with native grass. Care needs to be taken so that visitors and workers are not injured when in the cemetery. Safety issues As long as adequate precautions are taken, accidents can generally be avoided. Care needs to be taken so that visitors and workers are not injured when in the cemetery. Making sure that the paths are kept clear and the grass is mown helps people access the main areas safely. Some general warning signs or general guidelines on a notice board are a good idea. Make sure any machinery used has the relevant safety guards. Warnings may include: Old headstones are unstable please do not lean on them. Avoid sitting or walking on graves out of respect for those buried within and the danger of subsidence and collapse. Keep an eye open for snakes, which may hide in long grass or sun bake on graves. Snakes are protected species. What plants are important? Button Wrinklewort, a rare native plant There is a range of groups and organisations that may be able to assist you in preparing a cemetery management plan. Some groups will enjoy visiting your cemetery and providing you with a plant list and other advice and only need to be asked. Plant identification is important as it helps to determine which plants are present, what is native, which ones may be rare and which ones are weeds. The best time to arrange a visit is in the spring. Ask someone from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (Biodiversity Officers),Field Naturalists Club, Local Landcare Group or Australian Plants Society.

Looking after country cemeteries Page Trustees personal liability Cemetery trust members in Victoria are, in effect, the directors of the incorporated entity being the cemetery trust.

5 Looking after country cemeteries Page Trustees personal liability Cemetery trust members in Victoria are, in effect, the directors of the incorporated entity being the cemetery trust. Because it is incorporated, the trust may sue and be sued in its own right. In carrying out a function or power under the Act, a member of a cemetery trust is not personally liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith However, this limited liability protection and: May not extend to any other legislation under which legal action may be brought against a cemetery trust and/or its members and officers as individuals Does not extend to officers employed by the trust. This possible exposure to some personal liability provides considerable incentive for trust members and officers of cemetery trusts to discharge their powers and duties in a prudent and conscientious manner, and in compliance with all relevant legislation. (link to Cemetery Trust Manual) Peruvian Lily, Scilla peruviana, is a remnant from earlier plantings Lawn sections and niche walls Consideration needs to be given to design of lawn cemetery areas. Try and make sure the areas are not too large with poorly defined boundaries. Lawn cemeteries should be located so as not to be intrusive or visually out of place with an existing cemetery design. They are special place and need to be designed with the visitors in mind. Do not choose the high quality areas of native vegetation for the lawn cemetery. When designing a lawn cemetery also consider the age and heritage values of the surrounding cemetery. Where possible separate the area with appropriate plantings. They will be areas of lower quality that have more weeds and less native plants. This advice applies to other structures such as shelters and niche walls as well. Do not choose the high quality areas of native vegetation for the lawn cemetery. W hat to plant? Some families will want to plant trees or shrubs in memory of their loved ones. Having a list for them to choose from helps avoid future weed problems or plants becoming too big and damaging graves. A planting guidelines would include which plants are not acceptable like some of the invasive bulbs and corms or plants with berries if near the bush. It would advise on where they can be planted and what maintenance is required. Often visitors do not understand why the cemetery is managed in a particular way and providing some information helps avoid people taking management into their own hands. Visitors may like to contribute to a planting fund and allow the trustees to choose a plant for planting in a particular area. Planting around the trunks of trees may damage the tree. 5

The information in this article is of a general nature only and is designed to assist in improved vegetation management in country cemeteries

It is now a weed in some cemeteries and is difficult to control Further reading Cemetery Trust Manual and other information relating to cemeteries is

(1999). Grassy Guidelines: How to manage native grasslands and grassy woodlands on your property. Trust for Nature, Melbourne. Blood K. (2001).

Bush invaders of South-East Australia. R.G. and F.J Richardson, Meredith Richardson R.G., F.J, Shepherd R.C.H. (2006). Weeds of the southeast. R.G. and F.J Richardson, Meredith. Lunt I.

Providing information about the history, layout, plants and regulations helps everyone appreciate the different aspects of the cemetery and encourages

If there is a policy about mowing the paths regularly but leaving other areas un-mown so the orchids can flower and set seed, then let people know.

Indiscriminate use of herbicide will encourage more weeds and may damage rare plants.

6 The information in this article is of a general nature only and is designed to assist in improved vegetation management in country cemeteries Periwinkle used to be planted on a child s grave symbolising remembrance and friendship. It is now a weed in some cemeteries and is difficult to control Further reading Cemetery Trust Manual and other information relating to cemeteries is available from the Cemeteries and Crematoria website Sagazio C. (2003), Conserving Our Cemeteries edited by National Trust of Victoria. Barlow, T. (1999). Grassy Guidelines: How to manage native grasslands and grassy woodlands on your property. Trust for Nature, Melbourne. Blood K. (2001). Environmental weeds: A Field Guide for SE Australia. CH Jerram & Associates, Mt Waverley Victoria. Muyt A. (2001). Bush invaders of South-East Australia. R.G. and F.J Richardson, Meredith Richardson R.G., F.J, Shepherd R.C.H. (2006). Weeds of the southeast. R.G. and F.J Richardson, Meredith. Lunt I., Barlow T., Ross J. (1998). Plains Wandering Exploring the Grassy Plains of South Eastern Australia. Victorian National Parks Assoc. & Trust for Nature. Information, tours & brochures No longer is it just mourners and trustees who visit cemeteries, there is a range of different cemetery tourists. Providing information about the history, layout, plants and regulations helps everyone appreciate the different aspects of the cemetery and encourages more interest in activities. If there is a policy about mowing the paths regularly but leaving other areas un-mown so the orchids can flower and set seed, then let people know. Visitors often assume they are allowed to take maintenance of the grounds into their own hands. Indiscriminate use of herbicide will encourage more weeds and may damage rare plants. It is advisable to only allow trained people to use this method of weed control and visitors need to know this. Cemetery tours or self guided walks are a great way to encourage more interest and awareness This also may be a way of attracting some extra donations towards the upkeep. A simple brochure may help inform visitors about native vegetation and its importance. Service clubs will sometimes provide funds for seating or other structures. Students studying at university may be able to use their skills to write brochures or management plans. As the years pass monuments become more fragile and are easily damaged.

St Nicolas, Itchingfield Churchyard Guidance

St Nicolas, Itchingfield Churchyard Guidance St Nicolas, Itchingfield Churchyard Guidance St Nicolas s churchyard has been a place of Christian burial for nearly 900 years. It is a very peaceful and special