PROJECT 04 - Landscaping & Grounds
There are some shade trees in the northern part and there is one large bush in the middle of the cemetery, otherwise, it is mostly open field. The outside fence is in good shape though it does not surround the northwest side of the cemetery. There has been damage to at least one stone due to water runoff from the barn that is adjacent to the northwest side of the cemetery.
Water Damage from Roof
The roof on the barn next to the cemetery slopes towards the cemetery. As a result,
any time it rains, water dumps directly into the cemetery off the roof.
The temporary solution would be to build a cover or framework around the stone to prevent any future damage. The better solution would be to have the barn's owner find some way to divert the water.
Trees and Bushes on the Property
The Burying Ground has some lovely shade trees and two bushes. Otherwise, it is primarily an open field. it could probably use some landscaping updates.
Shade trees: There are some beautiful shade trees in the northern part of the cemetery that provide protection for some stones. They also are large enough that some of them may have disturbed some of the graves. There are many dead branches and should be evaluated to determine if they could fall. The branches should be removed if it can be done safely, to prevent them from falling onto the gravestones.
Bushes: there is one large lilac bush near the middle. It seems to be healthy but quite large. There are some other "scrubby" plants growing up around it that should be removed. There is also a cluster of plants near the northeast corner.
Additional trees or bushes: It may be nice to add more foliage so the Burying Ground could be a little more welcoming. Many people are unaware of its existence and it could become a special place to honor and remember the earliest settlers of Vergennes. This article from the National Park Service has a lot of helpful information if we pursue that avenue. We've been told that the local DAR Chapter used to grow flowers in the cemetery. While a shade tree is nice, there are always concerns about it coming down and breaking stones. Bushes need to be trimmed. Unless there is a large budget for maintenance, less is more for landscaping.