In many countries, including Austria, it is a tradition to commemorate loved ones who have died around All Saints Day and to decorate cemetery graves with flowers and plants. By the way, this is a custom that goes back to the 4th century. “The selection of flowers and plants is often very personal and reflects the relationship with the deceased. Individual messages can also be conveyed through the choice of colors and plants, for example by incorporating personal favorite flowers or colors of the deceased. The Austrian cemetery gardeners and flower shops respond to every individual request with great sensitivity,” says Monika Burket, industry spokesperson for the Austrian flower wholesaler at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
Natural arrangements such as arrangements made from dried fruit stalks combined with succulents such as houseleeks are on trend for this year’s All Saints Day. These are decorated with materials such as pine branches, moss, bark or cones, which also create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. Fresh flowers and plants can be added very well if desired.
The topic of sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role in grave design. “Many people now prefer biodegradable materials and rely on regional plants. “Environmentally friendly and easy-care arrangements are particularly suitable for the cold season and ensure that the grave looks dignified for months,” says Burket.
The classics: calluna and cyclamen
Calluna, also known as heather, has been a bestseller among grave plants for years. From white, red, purple and pink to berry tones, from yellow, orange, green, mint to multi-colored variants: With its wealth of colors, it is one of the most versatile autumn plants and also scores points with its uncomplicated care. The highlights also include the cyclamen, which is also available in many colors – from pastel shades to bright red or bright white – and is predestined for the autumnal climate.
A feast for the eyes: pansies, chrysanthemums & Co.
Plants with autumnal fruits, such as the pretty potted myrtle, are also an eye-catcher in the grave design. Pansies with their winter-hardy varieties are also becoming increasingly popular. A classic of days gone by, the magnificent chrysanthemum, is now used in autumn planting mostly in large-flowered varieties.
The most popular foliage plants include the purple bell and the silver leaf, which as a brightener also becomes an eye-catcher on any grave planting, or the barbed wire plant with its pretty silvery-gray shoots and leaves. Grasses at different heights are also popular in autumn grave planting.
When it comes to fresh flower decorations, the classics are still up-to-date thanks to their variety of colors: These include the rose and the versatile chrysanthemum family, including the ball chrysanthemum as a cut plant or its smaller variant called “Ping Pong”.
Evergreen plants with symbolic power
Branches of fir, spruce, juniper, yew, mountain pine and thuja, but also mosses and other ground cover, such as sedum or ivy, are ideal combination partners for chrysanthemums, heather, cyclamen, silver leaf etc. “Evergreen plants are not only because of their uncomplicated care “They are very popular, but they are also valued for their symbolic power, as they symbolize eternal life and loyalty,” says Burket, referring again to the local cemetery nurseries and flower shops: They advise exactly which plant or arrangement it should be. (PWK371/DFS)
You can find the flower shop near you at www.ihr-florist.at.
Further information and pictures are available at
Flower office Austria
Laxenburgerstraße 367, 1230 Wien
Telephone number: +43/1/615 12 98
Fax: +43/1/615 12 99
Email: office@blumenbuero.or.at
Homepage: www.ihr-florist.at