The cemetery as a meeting place

Ms. Geyer, how did the new gardening project at the cemetery come about?
The head of the municipal cemeteries, Gabi Schreiber, approached me after we had implemented a perennial project at the new cemetery. She wanted a meeting place that would appeal to all of the visitors' senses - with benches and raised beds, a barefoot path and humming stone, water elements and a pavilion. Together with Gabi Klußmann from KC Corporate Communications at Stadtwerke, we then took stock of the site and drew up a plan for the new facility. The planting should also attract insects and thus promote biodiversity.

What needs to be considered during implementation?
There are many factors to consider, such as the existing trees and light conditions, the nature of the ground and the wind corridors on site. Of course, we also want to preserve the special atmosphere of a cemetery: So we are not choosing brightly colored planting, but muted and uniform colors, and the water features will be as quiet as possible. Our oasis should radiate tranquillity and invite people to come together.

How does Stadtservice generally get the cemeteries ready for autumn and winter?
Autumn is always a good time for planting, as there is no longer any heat stress to worry about. From October, the hedges are also trimmed and the meadows are mowed again. We have now planted perennials around the Jewish burial ground at the old cemetery for the first time. Their flowers have a high visual value and the insects are also happy about them. Otherwise, we are removing the leaves from the cemeteries and turning off the water before winter to protect the pipes.

What tips do you have for individual grave design in the dark season?
The plants should be hardy, easy to care for and able to withstand frost and hail. My favorite winter perennial is the Christmas rose, which blooms from December until February. Other suitable and beautiful plants are mockberries and heathers such as broom heather or snow heather. Cyclamen can provide a purple-pink splash of color. Dense planting on the graves keeps the weeds from growing. Covering with fir branches also looks pretty and protects existing plants from the cold.