In May, the grave gets its summer planting

Just like gardens and house entrances, graves should also look beautiful and be seasonally adapted, which is why they are replanted in May. Here too, people wait for the Ice Saints (until May 15th) before planting the delicate summer flowers.

In May, early plants like pansies are removed from graves and replaced with summer flowers. Common choices here include geraniums and fuchsias, petunias, and anything else that promises a large sea of blooms in summer. The choice of plants should depend on the grave's location. A grave under large old trees will have more shade than one where plants have to cope with full sun.

So that plants can look beautiful for a few days at the cemetery, even without extensive care, you should pay particular attention to good soil. Depending on whether you have a planting bowl on the grave or if the entire grave consists of soil within an edging, the soil should be replaced once a year. This is because the relatively small volume, which quickly becomes root-bound, otherwise cannot provide enough nourishment for the summer flowers.

"Most people who tend to one or more graves can't water daily, even in summer. Therefore, it's crucial to, firstly, choose plants that can tolerate a bit of water shortage, and secondly, find a good way to create a water reservoir. This could be achieved with planters that have a built-in water reservoir or a saucer that can be filled.

On the other hand, you must prevent planters or bowls at the cemetery from getting too much water, ensuring that excess water can drain well during continuous rain. Most summer flowers react very poorly to waterlogging and will wilt after just a few days if their roots are standing in water."

If you travel frequently and find it difficult to regularly water the plants on a grave throughout the summer, you might consider whether permanent plants are feasible for that grave site. Many evergreens are suitable for grave planting and some even bloom.

Additionally, a small bowl with flowering plants can be placed alongside. If you're away for an extended period, this can be moved next to an acquaintance's grave site for them to water, or you can even take it home to be cared for in your garden, and the grave will still look tidy.