Old Napier Hill Cemetery September 2020

It hadn't really occurred to us before, that an old cemetery might, in fact, be a wild place. But the more that we visit here in the old Napier Hill cemetery, the more that we understand this to be a precious and sacred space- where those that lay at rest are woven in to the landscape amidst the wild flowers, the weeds, the remembered, the tended and the forgotten. 

This garden of peace doesn't fuss or fret- it thrives and adapts with a little human tending from time to time.

Many of the plantings have been offered or established in another time, quite probably long forgotten. Yet, the plants remember, multiply and create a home for themselves amidst the memorials and stories. 

We no longer feel awkward wandering in to cemeteries with our picnic baskets. A little walk around to get the feel of the season and the particular visit, is quite a good idea- so much can change between visits. 

On this occasion, being early spring we came upon a sweet spot with the Chippings. 

Annie's English bluebells made us feel right at home. 

Egg and asparagus sandwiches made with Vogel's- quite perfect.

There is much crumbling and dishevelment amidst the graves, yet I have the feeling that no one here really minds- it's the living that fuss about such things.

Early centranthus ruber coccinues beginning to awaken.

It was a surprise to discover a large quantity of both blue & white Cuban lilies, all happily settled in and naturalised.

We so often think of early spring flowers as being daffodils and jonquils, but here there are so many blues- grape hyacinths, bluebells, Cuban lilies, echiums, irises and true geraniums.

This is not a place that can be rushed, in fact, if you try to bustle around you may well come to grief. Unexpected obstacles abound! 

Being enveloped by the sentiments and language of loss of loved ones, beliefs and preferences of the past is a fascinating experience.

Statements of strength and endurance may be found in the least expected spots.

Some plants are purely opportunists like this onion weed- which, I might add, we have come to value greatly- a resilient, prolific and fully edible wild plant. We use the flowers, leaves or bulbs in our meals most days.

Tree covered pathways beg our exploration.

Sometimes leading us to the most remarkable of discoveries. And here we were wandering and observing and just being present, when all of a sudden there was a flurry of flight and feathers and a large bird passed overhead and landed high up in an oak tree ahead of us. 

We had no idea what the bird was, so I simply attempted to photograph it as best as I could- all the while it was blasting out a rendition of "Napier Hill Tui Song". Soon a Tui joined the Kaka and then when noticed just how large the bird was. We were able to confirm that this was indeed an indigenous and endangered native parrot- a Kaka. Perhaps, a once in a life time sighting. 

The euphorbias synchronise themselves with the Plane trees emergent life green leaves and blend perfectly with the many "Breaths of heaven".

Various rock roses thrive here too.

Sometimes things gone awry, are best mended. if only we could settle to the fact that lovingly made repairs in life are sometimes a fine and sufficient gift too- just add flowers.  

We have discovered both here in the Old Napier Hill cemetery and the oldest parts of the cemetery at Park Island have been well planted with a prostrate form of Juniper- this one has taken to cascading down the hill like a waterfall. Many of these plants may have survived and adapted for over 100 years.

I like to read some of the stories, but mostly I like to just wander and observe. It's not very restful reading other people's tragedies and losses. But some names and sentiments are just charming- Violet Ethel Sweetapple. I bet she had the sweetest pinnies and a joy fine rolling pin.

Echiums thrive in the limey well drained soil. What a grand statement they make.

Yes, I do find all this spring blue quite surprising, don't you?

Sentinel. Keeping watch- beautifully.

I discovered a fascinating article after writing this post entitled "Remembering When Americans Picnicked In Cemeteries- for a time eating and relaxing amongst the dead was a national pastime."

Oh my- it surely was! 

A small group picnics on ledger-style tombstones in Historic St. Luke's Ancient Cemetery. The photo is not dated but is believed to have been taken prior to St. Luke's 1957 Pilgrimage Service. COURTESY HISTORIC ST. LUKE'S