The services we offer in tending the grave of the dearly departed.
We offer two options for tending the grave (or memorial) of your loved one: a full tending of the grave or the placing of flowers and foliage. Each visit is attended to with the same level of care, respect and thoroughness.
For the full tending service we will:
- Weed and clear leaves and litter including the removal of dead plants, flowers and decorations.
- Hand cut the grass around the grave and tidy the edges. Where appropriate, straighten and trim any edges with an edging tool.
- Light pruning of any shrubs, small trees or other woody plants where required.
- Re-seed any bare soil providing the growing conditions are appropriate.
- Lightly clean (to remove any dirt, bird droppings etc.) with a stiff brush and wooden scraper or wash the headstones (depending on the surface). Smooth surfaces will be given a light polish with a soft cloth. Note that lichens and some mosses can be difficult or impossible to remove without harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning - we do not use these methods.
- Clean/polish any memorial pots.
- Place a small flower or foliage arrangement - this is dependent on the season and availability. Where possible we shall use locally grown plants and flowers. Artificial flowers will only be used where requested.
For the placing of flowers and foliage service we will:
- Clear leaves and litter including the removal of dead plants, flowers and decorations.
- Use a stiff brush to remove loose debris.
- Placing of flowers or a small foliage arrangement at headstone or memorial. The content of the arrangement is dependent on the season and availability. Where possible we shall use locally grown plants and flowers. Artificial flowers will only be used where requested.
This service is most appropriate for situations where there is just a memorial, such as when used after a cremation
Note that lichens and other growths can stain the surface of the stonework. We will not use chemicals nor detergents as our researches indicate that this can cause more problems in the longer term. Using wire brushes, abrasives or abrasive cleaners can damage the surface of the stone (and remove the inscription), so nothing more than a stiff brush is used. We are not monumental masons so do not repair stonework, level, nor re-erect fallen headstones. We will notify you of any problems that we observe.
We offer several visit frequencies:
- For an annual or 1-off visit, we will visit at our convenience to provide the service. Repeat annual visits will be at 11-13 month intervals.
- For the bi-annual visits, the first visit will be for an agreed month, then the subsequent visits will be at approximately 5-7 monthly intervals
- The seasonal visits will be in the following periods: December to February, March to May, June to August and September to November - with a minimum of 2 months between visits, and a maximum of 4.
- The bi-monthly visits will be undertaken on alternate months
- The monthly visits will normally be undertaken within 10 days of the same day of the month as the first visit.
We also offer premium services at additional cost.
