South Jersey Catholic Cemeteries is expanding its Garden Permit Program to be available yearlong.
The program allows for the planting of flowers in front of monument markers, giving families the ability to care for the final resting place of their loved ones. These gardens are permitted under controlled circumstances and only where the spacing of the monuments allows for access of equipment.
The Garden Permit Program begins every year on March 21 with the start of spring, and previously had ended Oct. 1 with the onset of autumn. Now, the garden edging border that outlines three quarters of the headstone will remain, allowing families to place keepsake items and plant flowers within the garden throughout the year.
“With this improvement, our families are able to express and share their memories throughout the year,” said Paul Martin, director of the Diocese’s South Jersey Catholic Cemeteries.
“Since the announcement just a couple of weeks ago, families have already expressed their delight with this change,” he added.
Rosemary Alvino, who cares for her father’s grave regularly at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Vineland, is among those who appreciated the news. “Being a farmer’s daughter, I enjoy seeing life and color with the different seasons of the year. I am so happy that I do not have to pull the flowers until they are ready to die off!”
Despite the change, some things will remain the same. The yearly fee will continue to be $35, and the permit holder is still responsible for caring for the flowers within the border, including removal at the end of the growing season. In addition, South Jersey Catholic Cemeteries reserves the right to trim or remove flowers that become unsightly or cascade over the border. Families must still respect the sacred environment by refraining from placing anything that may be offensive to Catholic teachings.
Those wishing to participate in the 2022 program can request a Garden Permit application by calling their cemetery office, or by downloading one at southjerseycatholiccemeteries.org. The deadline to participate is March 15, 2022.
Debra Moore is marketing and events coordinator for South Jersey Catholic Cemeteries.
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