Plantings are welcomed in many Sections of the Cemetery. Plantings should be confined to an area not more than 12 inches out from the monument or marker and the plants should be limited to 18 inches in height. This is in order to maintain a sense of order in relation to other plantings in the immediate area.
Please look below for specific policies on the various Sections:
Upright Monument Lots
Lots with two graves: Planting is permitted along the front, not to exceed the width of the monument.
Lots with graves in front of the monument: Planting is permitted along the front and sides of the monument.
Lots with graves in front and back of the monument: Planting is permitted along the front, back and sides of the monument.
Flush and Slant Marker Sections
Planting is permitted along the front of the marker, and must not be larger in width than the marker. Flower placement must be within 12 inches from the marker, with its height not exceeding 18 inches.
Queen of Heaven, St. Francis and Lawn Crypt Sections
Due to the uniquely landscaped layout, flower plantings are not permitted in these Sections. See below for specific information on alternative planting guidelines for these areas.
Queen of Heaven Shrine Section
In-ground flower plantings are not permitted, due to the unique landscaping design. Instead, flowers may be planted in a removable green cone or other in-ground vase that can be easily moved when our staff mows the lawn.
St. Francis Section
In-ground flower plantings are not permitted, due to the unique landscaping design.
Instead, flowers may be planted in a removable vase provided by the Cemetery.
Lawn Crypt Sections
In-ground flower plantings are not permitted, due to the unique landscaping design.
Artificial flowers may be placed in the removable vase set in the marker.
Fresh Cut Flowers
Fresh flowers may be placed on graves in metal or plastic cemetery vases (no glass). Potted plants up to 8 inches in diameter are also acceptable. Do not use glass containers due to safety hazard of possible broken glass.
Due to the large number of incoming flowers at the Cemetery, funeral flowers will be removed by our staff on the day of interment. Should members of the family wish to preserve some funeral flowers, please take them with you following the service.
Winter Decorations
Natural and artificial wreaths may be placed on graves from November 15th to March 15th. They can be set on stands or easels, or may be hung on monuments using a non-metallic cord (metal rusts and can permanently stain monuments). Please do not drive metal stakes into the ground for the purposes of hanging a wreath.
Our staff will begin the Cemetery spring clean-up, including removal of all wreaths, on or about March 15th. If you wish to keep a wreath, please remove it before this date.
American Flags
American flags, up to 12 by 18 inches, may be placed on graves year round. In respect for the flag, and in concern for the general appearance of the Cemetery, the Cemetery will, at its discretion, remove any flags that have become unsightly.
Prohibited Decorations
Due to legal and safety concerns, some decorations are not allowed on Cemetery grounds. Please be respectful of the following listing of prohibited decorations, to ensure the safety of our staff and visitors, and the perpetual beauty of our grounds.
• Artificial flowers (The Queen of Heaven, St. Francis and Lawn Crypt Sections are exceptions to this rule – see above for details)
• Ceramic or glass objects
• Shepherd’s hooks
• Crosses
• Temporary grave markers or plaques
• Statues
• Toys or novelties
• Fraternal or military emblems
Permanent Plantings, Mulching & General Landscaping
The planting of shrubs, bushes and trees on lots and graves is prohibited. The Cemetery has an annual tree care plan that includes trimming, removal and replacement to ensure a garden environment throughout all Sections.
Mulching with crushed stone, wood chips, shells or other hard materials is also prohibited for safety reasons. These objects can be picked up and thrown by mowers, trimmers and snow blowers and possibly cause injury to persons or damage to property.
The Cemetery staff manages all mowing, trimming, fertilizing and other general lawn care, so these activities are not permitted by Cemetery guests. This includes the spading or excavating of land, altering the grade, or laying or removing of sod. Reseeding of graves and lots is provided by the Cemetery at the request of the family. Edging around an in-ground flower planting should be limited to black plastic installed with a maximum of 2” above ground showing. Zoysia or other non-native grasses should not be planted without Cemetery permission. These plants can become invasive and seriously damage the turf and landscape.
