Flowers

A preliminary survey of flora in the cemetery was carried out in 2017 which showed around 60 species of flowering plants, nine grasses, one fern and one moss species.

One of the challenges we have in clearing graves is trying to maintain a balance with nature allowing wild-flowers to continue to flourish. So we will continue to keep a watch on our flora population. In the mean time here are a few photographs taken over time.

Look out for the small, yellow flower called “bird’s foot trefoil”. According to Plantlife the Victorian’s used flowers as a code to express hidden emotions. Some symbols of this “language of flowers” are still with us – for example, red roses are a well known emblem of true love. Bird’s-foot trefoil, however, was one of the few to denote darker thoughts: it symbolised revenge!

  • Crocuses
  • Snowdrops
  • Unnamed
  • Poppies and Cornflowers
  • Plantains
  • Oxeye Daisies
  • Navel Worts
  • Lady’s Smock
  • Drooping Star of Bethlehem
  • Distant Bluebells
  • Blue Ajuga
  • Bird’s Foot Trefoil

For the full survey results click HERE

In small areas around the buildings we have complemented nature by stocking a number of flower beds to add a splash of colour. The work here has been largely driven by one of our volunteers, Wendy Thomas, and has led to us receiving awards in the annual Teignmouth in Bloom competition. Here is a selection of the displays:

  • Thankyou Wendy

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