Hi Scott,
I have one cemetery that is covered with Vinca or Myrtle as well.
It creates a beautiful site that, like you said, stops the growth
of weeds and such. Not trees, but most weeds.
The one in our county is on a bluff and it is probably
holding the soil on the hillside. I wouldn't dream of
killing this groundcover.
I remember hearing years ago this was purposely put there
by our pioneers to do the job.
I've thought the same thing you have about finding the missing
pieces in the mass of greenery.
My best guess would be to mow the area in the late fall and
then do the search for stones as early as possible in the year.
When you are done with your restoration this would probably
fill in again in a few years.
Sorry folks, I just can not see using weed killer on this
ground cover. It takes care of the problem of not mowing
and stops the growth very well. And like you said Scott,
there is not damage to the tombstones as it doesn't climb.
Here is the photo link for the one I mentioned above.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~intcpcrg/1-Pictures/NewCastle.JPG
& a page that explains the plants use.
http://landscaping.about.com/cs/pestcontrol/a/deer_cover_4.htm
L.A. Clugh
Hi Scot:
My name is Jim Mezo from Evansville, IN and I do cemetery restoration
work professionally. Yes, the weed killer will damage stones over time
and is not recommended. I would recommend just mowing and that will
probably eventually kill out the vines. There is a plants that were
used as ground cover in cemeteries of old that is a kind of substitute
for grass.
You are right at first looking at protecting what you have without
further damage.
I would be interested in assisting or doing the restoration, depending
on your specific location. I have been trained through the Indiana
Historical Society by a Mr. John Walters and do have some practical
experience in a few cemeteries. Please let me know if I can be of
assistance.
Have a great day and good luck,
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: scotstout(a)aol.com [mailto:scotstout@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 12:20 PM
To: INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com
Subject: [INPCRP] questions
hello, everyone. i have some questions i'm hoping you can help answer.
here's the situation. a large cemetery in KY has been abandoned for at
least 60 years. it is full of very large trees, some of which have
fallen. the entire graveyard is covered with vinca minor, a ground
cover. vinca is a vine, but does not attach itself to anything like ivy
does. it causes no damage to the stones and does not climb the trees.
it has pretty much kept most other weeds under control, but it does not
choke out tree seedlings, obviously.
a cousin who is a farmer has mentioned using a weed killer on the vinca.
i'm concerned that the chemicals may damage the stones. does anyone
know what the ramifications of a weedkiller on tombstones?
in case you're wondering, my cousins and i DO want to have the cemetery
restored. right now we're just trying to keep it protected until we're
able to reach that goal.
thanks,
scot
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