Just Chris was working in the cemetery today (15 June 2025).
Some flowering plants had been donated by Dave. Two of these Hydrangea plants were planted around the wild flower meadows. Two small hebe plants were planted in section B, near the bay trees and fence.
There are some special Budleigh plants sited near the wall known panto- lane wall. We know that there were originally some 18 of these small plants put into the ground by our friend Roy Cheek, however only 3 or 4 of these plants have survived. It has either been a case of extreme heat killing these off, or some workers using large grass strimmers. The remaining plants are growing very well and about 4 ft tall. These plants needed some attention, so weeds were removed from around the area and ivy clinging to the plant stems also removed.
There was a deep hole measuring 14 inch wide and 16 inch deep, near to these plants and we had been known to step into this and almost fall down it. Some brick and stone rubble was used to fill this deep hole and then back filled with soil. The areas around these plants was tidied up and some bricks and stones were used to form a circular barrier to make it tidy and we also hope that the presence of these stones will suggest to the external- contract ground staff that this is a plant which we want to keep in preservation. These Budleigh plants are in plan 3C , near grave nos 37 to 40.
In the previous week, we had noticed 2 caterpillar insects. During some research in the meantime, this was quite likely to be a caterpillar of the Mullein moth type. This tends to live on this type of Budleigh plant. We couldn't find his same type of insect this week, but we just want to highlight the diversity of wildlife that we see here.
A family descendant had been in contact about wanting a couple of memorials they had repaired tidied up, so Chris decided to remove the weed growth and clean up this grave; Norris 69 Section B. Weeds and grass were removed. Some of the stone chipping was washed and all stones bagged for later.
The council team had been in during the week and cut the majority of the grass. The large – area known as the paupers grave area, is now often left uncut as part of the council initiative “no mow” to encourage wildlife. The lane/path known as Jam Factory Lane had been untidy with hedges and trees overhanging. The council had cut these hedges back and made this very tidy. Photos included here of the tidiness of the lane this week.
As this was a very hot day, some shaded areas were sought for tea, and making notes. Several photos were taken of all the areas worked on and plants.