Around 20 years ago work started to make a Physic garden in a portion of York cemetery. A beech hedge was planted around 30 graves, the turfs that had overgrown the graves were lifted, and herb beds were created by putting kerbs around individual graves. The beds were planted with a mix of culinary and medicinal herbs, and each grave given a carved stone marker showing the name of the herb planted.
Some of the names such as Alecost or Elecampane are unfamiliar but rather charming. I wouldn't mind sharing my final resting place with them, or others such as Yarrow, St John's Wort or Angelica. I would be less keen on Wormwood or Rhubarb, plants sowed on two of the graves above!
The herb garden was intended to be a commercial venture that directly benefited the cemetery but this never materialised. I think I can spot the fatal flaw in this plan, many people I suspect would not choose to buy rhubarb or herbs grown on a grave. Would you?
Taking part in Tapophile Tragics
Yes that is a bit weird to think people would do that I think. But it is nice they resumed the graves.
ReplyDeletemmm ... it is the fertiliser that they are using wherein lies the rub!
ReplyDeleteIntellectually, I would like to think that I am okay with it, however, I think that my stomach would baulk when the time came to put my mouth where my brain was!
I do quite like the idea of planting up graves in this way, just not the consumption of the product. Were the headstones still there and still readable?
Yes they were Julie, names and inscriptions kept intact where they still existed.
DeleteMedicinal herbs on graves? A case of too little too late, I fear.
ReplyDeleteI did think that using herbs grown on a grave might priove promblimatic. Fantastic idea though!
ReplyDeleteHerding Cats
No I wouldn't be lining up to buy any of these herbs!
ReplyDeleteWell, the herbs might smell good . . .
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dina! Maybe the mingling scents of the herbs could be captivating! But some herbs need continual cultivating to keep their health! Hmmm... Wonder who does that! Interesting idea!
ReplyDeleteI think sadly no one looks after the herb garden at present Gemma. The indestructibles such as Mint and Fennel continue, but some of the other graves are overgrown with weeds.
DeleteIt's a good idea but . . . I can understand that many might not be able to stomach the idea (so to speak). I personally would not mind.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I occasionally collect a few sprigs when I am in the cemetery at the right time of year.
Deletehahahaha, i think thats funny.
ReplyDeletebut i wouldnt want to eat it either, just as julie said.
but..... why not grow flowers and sell them? somehow that i would find a much better idea. i would like grave flowers...
i am sure there are some goths out there that would jump at the chance of eating herbs grown on a grave. reminds me of the saying that everything we breathe and eat that is carbon based was once the flesh and blood of another living person that died thousands of years ago. this great planet recycles.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of herbs at the cemetery - it would look and smell pleasant, but I am not sure I would actually want to pick them to eat.
ReplyDelete