Visiting Abel's Hill Cemetery
Chilmark holds this cemetery as a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance of family and friends. Please respect the setting with appropriate behavior.
Perennial Plantings
- Small native trees and shrubs are preferred over non-natives. Please refer to Polly Hill Arboretum’s plant-finder data base http://plantfinder.pollyhillarboretum.org for guidance.
- It is the responsibility of plot Leasee(s) to maintain the plantings on their plot.
- All perennial plantings, except annuals, must be approved before placement by the cemetery superintendent, including professional designs.
- Cemetery maintenance may include the trimming or removal of trees, shrubs and plants which are neglected, extend beyond the plot boundary(-ies), significantly impede mowing or become unsightly.
Decorations
- Fresh cut flowers, potted plants or greens are the preferred decorations in the cemetery. Glass containers and artificial flowers (plastic, fabric, paper) are not allowed.
- All decorations and annual plants should not extend within 12” of the plot boundary.
- Artificial light and open flames are not permitted in the cemetery (i.e. vigil lights, candles, battery or solar powered lights, and open flames.)
- All small statuary, stones, shells, mementoes must rest on top of the single monument, bench or flat stone - not on the ground.
- Hanging items (lanterns, bird feeders/houses, whirligigs) are not allowed in the cemetery. Personal items (clothing, sporting equipment, trophies) shall not be placed as a memorial on the grave.
- It is the responsibility of plot Leasee(s) to maintain their decorations and remove them in a timely manner. Memorial Day military tributes may remain through Veteran’s Day. Holiday greens are allowed between Thanksgiving and February 1st.
- The cemetery superintendent reserves the right to remove decorations or items not within the regulations.