Herb Cemetery

Well my friends,
just wondering; how do you feel about cemeteries?
 
Some people think they are eerie and scary.
 
I remember years ago while vacationing in Austria I saw an old cemetery and wanted to walk through it.  Our youngest daughter literally freaked out over the thought.  Needless to say, we did not.
 
 I happen to love them!
To me they are peaceful and evoke feelings of love, respect, and honor.
 
I grew up just a block away from a cemetery and now we live a block and a half above one.
(strange coincidence)
 
Because my father passed away when I was only 9 months old we visited the one by our home often.
Some of our grandparents are buried there as well.
 
From an early age we were taught to show respect.  We never climbed on the headstones or walked where someone was buried.
 
I remember my mother decorating the family gravesites with her cemetery (or funeral) baskets.
 
I'm thinking that's where my love for these old fashioned baskets came from.
 
I have had three of them for quite some time and use them in the Spring.
 
I've had a Rosemary plant in one for over a year now.
 
A couple weeks ago I found two more baskets at a thrift shop and that's when the idea hit me to create a
'herb cemetery'
 
I visited four nurseries before I found one that had any herbs still in stock.


(I made the herb sampler years ago)
 
 
Working with herbs is such a delight.  A burst of a wonderful scent comes each time you brush your hand against them!



(notice that lavender is spelled wrong. . .I done my best!)
 
I'll be switching my porch up soon, but for now I nestled them together on top of my drop leaf table.



 

I gave each one a label.

(linen ribbon I stamped)

 
Each basket is different and unique it it's own way.


This is one of the two I recently found.  It didn't have a liner so I stuffed a piece of an old feed sack inside.


 
This is my only metal one.

 
 
I love basil, so I planted two of those.
This is my other new find.  I paid $3 for each.

 
I elevated it on a thrift find stool that I painted and added a grain sack stripe to.

 
This is my largest basket.  Earlier I had five flags coming out of it.



 
Each herb has a meaning or significance.
 
Rosemary:  The herb of remembrance. (How appropriate is that?)
 
Basil: A sacred herb that is a symbol of both love and hate.  (We're going for the love here)  One site said, good wishes.
 
Lavender:  Devotion and virtue
 
Chives:  Usefulness

I am loving this herb cemetery!
 
Whether you like cemeteries or not, I bet you love herbs!

 
 
In this cemetery you let your fingers do the walking.  :)
 
hugs,
Jann

I will be sharing with these lovely parties:
 
 
 
 
 

40 comments

A Bit of the Blarney said...

A delightful way to grow and show your herbs. Nicely done!! Have a grand day! Cathy

mimi_62 said...

What a clever idea. Love the tags, etc.

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Well, aren't you clever! I had a funeral basket hanging around for years and could never find a spot for it, so I finally sold it in a garage sale. I never thought of planting herbs in it!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I love cemeteries, but not a fan of those baskets. With my brown thumb, my herbs would definitely need a funeral basket if I tried to grow some. I love the herbs you're growing, beautiful!

Betty said...

Hi Jann,

I would agree that cemeteries are a peaceful place and they deserve to be treated in a respectful manner. I love the footed style of basket with the huge hoop handle and have collected several for myself of various sizes and colors and have set them out by my front door with a seasonal arrangement. Love them, they are such a statement piece, but the association with a funeral can be a deal breaker for some. Your garden is charming as are the tags! Hugs,

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Oh I love to visit old cemeteries and do almost every chance I get. The ones in Europe were the neatest, and the huge one in Normandy made me cry.

The ones on the island where I grew ( and visit our family plot up brings me memories, knowing nearly every name in that cemetery.

I grow and use herbs year round. Thing is that basil does better with dappled light and rosemary and thyme like it super sunny - so they don't all do well together, is what I have found.

You were clever in the way you planted them. : - )

MyDIY said...

http://mydiyol.blogspot.de

Hello Jann,
it looks as always very nice. This is your direction, your style.
You notice immediately that someone is standing right behind his cause.
many Greetings
Uwe

ellen b said...

What a great idea for the baskets. It looks great. I for one love to stroll through cemeteries...the older the better!

Mary Ann Potter said...

Love what you've done with these baskets!

I believe in respecting cemeteries; I know how valuable they are to many families, genealogists, and historians. I just don't believe in "visiting." I'd much rather call back some memories.

Gayle said...

Count me in as one who finds peace in cemeteries. I don't visit graves on a regular basis but meander through many as a part of family research.
Great way to use the style of basket that evokes memories for you.

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Your funeral baskets are all wonderful, I like what you have done with them. How fun! I too, spent a lot of time in cemeteries and was taught to respect each and every grave.
Thanks for sharing,
Gina

June said...

I love this Jann!!! The funeral baskets are a great planter for them.
Hey, I grew up right by a cemetery too Jann. It was a beautiful one too, and mom would take us there once in awhile and take photos of the headstones. I love visiting really old country ones and I guess it might be because they are usually so forgotten about.
Have a wonderful week!

Christine said...

I'm laughing to myself because when my kids were young, we'd picnic in a beautiful cemetery!
When I told someone, they freaked out! I thought it was peaceful and clean. Not like the park near by.
By the way your herb baskets are really cool.

Junkchiccottage said...

So glad to hear someone else loves to stroll a wonderful cemetery. I agree they are a place of such love and honor and respect. I love to see the beautiful old tomb stones and the adoring words written on them.
Love all your funeral baskets. They are gorgeous and love how you planted them. Have a wonderful new week ahead.
Kris

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Cleaver ideas - with your herbs.
I love cemeteries. When I go home to VA we always go up the old and new cemetery, pack a picnic lunch and sit under a old walnut tree.
It is so interesting to find all of our relatives and say a prayer for them.
Love how you planted your herbs - they really look good on the table.
Have a great week Jann.
Hugs,
Mary

cynthia lee designs said...

Jann...I love cemeteries. We have been doing our family tree and have travel to a few different states to see and record what cemeteries our family members are buried in.
~Cindy

Jonell w Harrison said...

What wonderful baskets.so glad to see someone appreciate them..as I do.

Joy Junktion said...

What a fun and special little cemetery you have created, Jann! My dad's parents were stone masons and owned a stone yard when we were young. I remember going there and seeing their work. I think because of that our family has always had a huge respect and reverence for cemetery's. I love finding very old cemetery's and taking a leisurely stroll through them, thinking about the stories that could be told, if graves spoke! Blessings, Cindy

Jacqueline said...

Jan, these are so cute! I love your cute little herb baskets!

Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes said...

What a lovely herb garden display, Jann! I love all of the different types of herb markers you created ~ especially the stamped linen tag! Thanks for sharing this beautiful post today. ♡

Unknown said...

Love this idea!!! The sampler is adorable, where did you find it? I love cemeteries as well... I'm careful not to walk on the grave, except I'm always confused as to which side of the headstone the body actually is buried ;)
My grandparents are buried in an incredible cemetery in San Francisco, the headstones & crypts are incredible works of art!

Rose L said...

I love to visit historic cemeteries. Oregon City has the oldest in the state of Oregon!
What I do not like is when people destroy headstones or even steal them! Sad.

Gayle said...

How delightful! I have three old baskets similar to these and have always struggled with what to do with them - great idea!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

What a great idea to use those unique baskets. I just love the herb idea. I had a large cemetery basket in my garage for years, left by the former owner. I never knew what to do with it, knowing that it had to do with death! I recently sold it in my Etsy shop!

Anne's Attic - Design said...

Jann I love your sweet herb garden. I was raised as you were about respecting cemeteries, and I have passed it down to my children and grandchildren. I to love to walk through a cemetery especially old ones. Of course we have this in common, Kindred Spirits we are. lol Hugs, Jo

Kiki Nakita said...

What a lovely idea. It must smell delightful. ~Kiki.

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I adore your herb filled baskets. They look beautiful on your porch and I'm sure they smell wonderful. I enjoy walking through old cemeteries too, especially the really old ones.

Art and Sand said...

I love your herb cemetery and I adore the stamped strips of fabric. I'm going to copy that idea.

Art and Sand said...

I love your herb cemetery and I adore the stamped strips of fabric. I'm going to copy that idea.

Art and Sand said...

I love your herb cemetery and I adore the stamped strips of fabric. I'm going to copy that idea.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jann! Oh, I love your herb cemetery baskets! Love the baskets. I love old cemeteries too and really enjoy walking through them and reading the headstones. Like you, my parents taught me to be respectable in the graveyard. Thanks for popping in to see me and it was so nice to hear from you.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Patti said...

What a clever display! The tags are perfect. I love that you planted herbs in the baskets. You are SO clever!

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Such sweet cemetery baskets and I love what you did with them. Precious post! XOX

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

I have to admit Jann that I love cemeteries, but I'm bit of a history buff, so love old headstones and the stories they tell. Love the gorgeous herb tags and baskets and especially love the herb sampler.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Winnie said...

I actually feel the same as you do toward cemeteries.
I lost my Dad when I was a teenager (in a military action) and we used to go quite often to the cemetery.
Your herb project is simply wonderful.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love to walk through old cemeteries and read the markers. It's sobering and something I don't do very often. I love your lavender basket! Hugs!

Creations By Cindy said...

Loving your herb cemetery! I too love herbs. I've enjoyed some of my own all summer and you are so right...the smell on your hands is wonderful! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

You have such an artistic flair. Can you come and play at my house? I think it needs you! ~smile~

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
Laura

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jann,
I love old cemeteries and I love to walk through them and look at the beautiful old statues, especially the angel ones. Love the idea of the herb cemetery! I adore your basket collections. I have one in my Dining Room that I decorate for every Holiday but I particularly like to decorate it for Halloween!!
Thanks so much for dropping by and for all your kind words!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Stephanie said...

You are so clever and delightful, dear Jann. I love everything and your sampler is just too cute!

I enjoy visiting cemetaries and I love reading about the people that have been ladi to rest...I am always curious about their life and history. I, too, was always taught to show respect and not walk where someone has been laid. Times have changed, haven't they...

Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Hugs!

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