Decoration, Flower & Planting Rules
The decoration, flower and planting rules are intended for the beautification and safety of our cemeteries. For more detailed information, see our complete Rules and Regulations (PDF)
Annual Spring Clean-up
March 1st begins our mowing season.
Please collect all items prior to this date or they will be removed and discarded.
Fresh flowers are always welcome. Artificial decorations at ground level are only permitted from November 15th through February.
Decorations
- Fresh flowers are allowed year-round. They may be placed in temporary metal or plastic containers or in permanent in-ground vases (where permitted). Flowers will be removed when wilted. The temporary metal or plastic vases are then collected and placed for re-use at the entrance of each cemetery. Glass vases or bottles are not permitted and containers cannot be buried in the ground.
- Artificial decorations including flower baskets, wreaths, votive candles (solar powered only), flags or shepherd hooks are permitted on the ground from November 15th through the end of February each year. These items are not allowed during the mowing season.
- Artificial decorations are permitted in attached vases or saddles on above-ground markers and monuments year-round. Never use wires or stakes to attach decorations.
- On Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Father’s Day, potted plants are permitted from the Friday afternoon before the holiday through the following Sunday after (approximately one week).
- American Flags are permitted only on Memorial Day and Veterans Day from the Friday before the holiday to the following Sunday after (approximately one week). Flags must be small and made of wood and cloth. No metal or plastic is allowed.
- Community Mausoleums and Columbariums have designated decoration areas. Decorations may not be attached to the crypt or niche fronts or left on the sidewalks. Artificial decorations can be placed in the designated areas after November 15 through February. On Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Father’s Day, potted plants are permitted in the designated areas from the Friday afternoon before the holiday through the following Sunday after (approximately one week).
- All artificial decorations on graves at ground level or in designated decoration areas will be removed beginning March 1st to prepare for the mowing season. Please collect all items prior to this date.
Flowers and Plantings
Annual or perennial flowers may be planted on monument, slant and bevel marker lots. No plantings are allowed on level marker graves or graves without markers. Rose bushes are not allowed.
These flower borders must be kept within six inches to the front and sides of the marker and mulched with wood mulch. No landscape fabric, rocks, coping, curbing, fencing or other borders are allowed. These flower borders are the responsibility of the family and must be kept tidy and weed free.
Good choices for annuals are begonias, geraniums, impatiens, petunias, or pansies. Good choices for perennials are day lilies, hostas, false asters, peonies, hellebores, cone flowers and small iris varieties.
Please remember that wildlife is abundant in the Catholic Cemeteries due to our locations near Bear Grass Creek and bordering tree lines. Please be advised you should select deer resistant flowers and shrubbery, as we have many deer that may enjoy an afternoon snack.
On lots with a monument privilege, shrubbery or ivy may be placed with the approval of management and a special care plan. The special care plan requires an annual fee which includes trimming, fertilizing, mulching and insect control. This maintenance of the shrubbery or ivy is performed by cemetery personnel. Contact the office for more information regarding our special care plans.
The Catholic Cemeteries will not be responsible for flowers or plantings if they are damaged or removed in the process of a burial, inscription or maintenance work in the area. Unauthorized plantings or plantings that are not well maintained will be removed.