8 CONSERVATION ISSUES: LAYOUT, VEGETATION AND LANDSCAPE FEATURES

8.1 GENERAL

Appropriate maintenance of a cemetery preserves its character and so retains its significance. Among the essential elements which give a burial ground its character are its layout and its vegetation, and like the monuments these should be conserved. Note that the character imparted by the vegetation will often vary greatly through the seasons, so assessment of this aspect needs great care and a good deal of expertise involving both native plants and also earlier introduced species which may now be unfashionable.

8.2 LAYOUT

Most small country and suburban cemeteries are simple in layout with graves in straight lines or on a grid system. Those with a more elaborate plan feature paths along axes between focal points such as chapels or shelter rotundas. The grand layout of larger cemeteries may include an imposing gateway, a central drive for the funeral carriage, or sometimes a picturesque plan with circular avenues and serpentine walks. Changes to layout can compromise the essential character of the cemetery. If minor changes are necessary, the National Trust recommends that every effort be made to retain the original design features of the cemetery. If it is intended to reinstate an original design, this should only be done after completion of a Conservation Plan (see Section 6). Survey information in the form of maps, field books or certificates of title may be useful in understanding the original planning of a cemetery, and should be consulted when planning a conservation project.

8.3 VEGETATION

8.3.1 PLANTINGS

In 19th century cemeteries where tree planting was a conscious feature of the cemetery layout, evergreen species were traditionally used. The trees preferred were dense and shady, both native and exotic. Eucalypt, fig, Pittosporum, pine, cypress and camphor laurel were some of the trees used in Australia. Replacement should normally be with the same species to maintain the character of the cemetery, but there may be exceptions if an original tree is an inappropriate species for the site. For example, trees such as Pittosporum and camphor laurel can spread by self sowing, and the seedlings then cause damage to monuments and interfere with other plantings. The seedlings are effectively weeds and should be removed.

Trees were supplemented by grave plantings of flowers or creepers such as Ixia, Watsonia, Oxalis, old-fashioned roses and periwinkle. In older cemeteries these plants have sometimes spread from individual graves and become naturalised. They do not damage the cemetery and in many cases contribute substantially to its aesthetic and nostalgic quality and its cultural significance. These qualities should not be destroyed by excessive mowing, trimming or poisoning.

Bulbs and self-sown annuals may be only apparent at certain seasons, so any work must be guided by observations made and recorded over a full year. Older cemeteries have developed their ecology over a long period, and expert guidance is needed before significant alterations. For example, pretty or rare small flowers may need the shade and protection of a "weed" with which they share a grave plot. In the case of the slightest doubt, expert advice is needed before any action.

New plantings should follow the established pattern if this is discernible. A list of extant species should be compiled and use should be made of earlier records of plantings, if available. Species already present should be used where possible, or new plants should be selected from a range of known traditional plantings. For a list of species appropriate for older cemeteries, refer to Appendix E.

8.3.2 NATIVE VEGETATION

Remnant stands of native vegetation should be retained wherever possible. The use of herbicide in these areas should be avoided and mowing should be kept to a minimum.

Unmown grasses are not generally a problem. Native grasses in many instances add to the visual quality of the cemetery by providing a textured background, and by retarding the spread of weeds. They also have natural heritage value in their own right. Mowing of major paths only is generally recommended.

The use of mowers, slashers and whipper-snippers near graves is not recommended because of the damage that may be caused to the fabric of the stone. If necessary it is better to spot-poison around the base of monuments rather than cutting too close.

8.3.3 WEED REMOVAL

The growth of weeds within a cemetery can adversely affect its visual qualities, especially weeds growing within grave plots. The controlled removal of weeds is recommended, through a regular maintenance program. Invasive trees such as self sown camphor laurels, pines and other woody plants can cause considerable physical damage to gravestones. Care should be taken when attempting to remove woody plants growing close to monuments. Such an operation should be confined to killing off the weed over a period of time. Removing a stump or the base of a trunk growing under or close to a monument can be a risk to personnel as well as the monument.

Manual removal of small weed infestations is advocated where this will not cause damage to monuments.

Occasionally poisoning is necessary. Large areas consisting almost entirely of invasive weeds may be best controlled by spraying with an appropriate selective herbicide and subsequent manual removal. Expert advice should be sought, for example from a local bush regeneration group. Otherwise major problems can arise such as soil erosion or death of nearby plantings, or destruction of rare native species within the infested area.

8.4 LANDSCAPE FEATURES

8.4.1 FENCING AND GATES

Plantings and monuments are not the only significant elements of historic cemeteries. All the features of the original layout, and many later features too, contribute to the cemetery's character and should be conserved wherever possible.

Cemetery fencing and gates have always played an important role, whether to enclose and define the area, or to exclude livestock, or as a distinctive element in the townscape. Both fences and gates have a significance beyond their utilitarian aspect and should not be removed or prematurely replaced, especially if they are contemporary with the establishment of the cemetery.

8.4.2 SIGNAGE

Original signs, section markers etc. were often carefully designed and executed to fit the concept and character of an older cemetery, and should be conserved and retained wherever practicable. Before relocating or replacing them, thought should be given as to how they can be replaced in original style. Even if most must be replaced, at least some should be retained as a reference to original fabric.

8.4.3 PATHS AND DRAINAGE

Path and drainage features of all cemeteries should be retained and conserved. Gravel paths were typical of 19th century landscape design. Dish-gutters of brick were a feature of larger 19th century cemeteries. The introduction of incompatible modern materials such as concrete should be avoided or minimised.

8.4.4 OTHER STRUCTURES

Small chapels, shelters and lych gates were planned as an integral part of cemetery design. Their retention and conservation helps to retain the picturesque garden atmosphere that was typical of 19th century cemetery planning. Also of interest are seats, original worksheds and summerhouses. Sometimes these may be derelict and dangerous, in which case it is desirable that they be restored and retained in place. Pending such action they should be photographed and their position recorded. The footings of such former structures should be retained to ensure that the original structure can be interpreted.

8.5 CEMETERY RECORDS

The records relating to a cemetery are essential to the story it tells, and should be conserved along with what is on site. This applies to church burial records, and even more to any grave site or landscape plans which are found. If there is any doubt at all about the long-term preservation of original records then copies should be made and either copies or (preferably) the originals should be deposited in a suitable archive. Advice on a suitable archive may be sought from the local Council librarian or from the Royal Australian Historical Society.

Cemetery records are not confined to those kept by church or civil authorities. In country areas especially, the records of the local monumental mason may be invaluable, and critical information may be held by the local historical society or by the Royal Australian Historical Society (website www.rahs.org.au). Names and dates from tombstones, and sometimes full monumental inscriptions, may be held by local family history groups or by the Society of Australian Genealogists (website www.sag.org.au).