The grave design with stones can be realized in a decorative way individually and away from traditional forms. In this guide you will find 10 ideas for easy-care and durable design of the final resting place.

In a nutshell

  • Natural stones are the ideal material for the design of graves
  • They are used in various forms, for example as decorative gravel or whole stones
  • The colors and shapes of the natural stones are decisive for the final design concept
  • Various styles are available for design

Appropriate Stones

If you want to make the grave of a deceased easy to care for and durable, you should rely on natural stones. These have the best properties for extensive use over the years and blend harmoniously into the image of the cemetery. The following types have become established:

Make a grave with stones
  • quartz
  • basalt
  • granite
  • Slate (Bordeaux)
  • boulders
  • boulders

The stones are available in the following forms, which has a significant impact on the costs:

  • gravel
  • grit
  • blocks
  • natural stones
  • stone figures
  • intricately shaped pieces by the stonemason

The large number of colors available makes it possible to adapt the grave design to the gravestone. This is an important factor: Always choose the stones for the decoration to match the gravestone, the desired planting and the motifs that are to embody the deceased.

Tip: Do not use white marble for the design, because the surface is a real sponge for dirt. If you want to use marble, you should use figures made of stone (e.g. angels).

Grave design with gravel: 5 ideas

Classic gravel bed: If you want the grave to be easy to care for and durable, a gravel bed in the desired color is recommended. It is simple, does not require much maintenance and can be decorated with figures or planters. The care of the gravel surface is quite easy if you have previously laid out a film through which no weeds can penetrate. With little effort, the grave can be made attractive with a gravel surface.

Gravel path with plants: Another variant of the gravel surface is a path that runs straight or winding from the end of the grave to the headstone, depending on your preference. This should be bordered so that suitable plants can be placed in the free spaces without any problems. Use ground cover plants like periwinkle (Vinca minor), ivy (Hedera helix) or heather (Erica) to create the path. Even field stones can be used.

Attractively separated: In contrast to a complete area, with this idea you switch between gravel and plant areas. Orientate yourself on geometric shapes such as triangles, trapezoids or rectangles, which provide a modern touch. For example, you can fill one-third with gravel or grit, decorate one with flat groundcover, and cover the last third with gravel or grit again.

Castle garden: If you put a flowering plant in the middle of the grave and also add greenery to all four corners, you can conjure up a tiny castle garden. Fill in gravel high enough around the centered plant. Since the corners are also intended for plants, but not the edges, the gravel looks like a path from four directions.

Asian flair: An Asian-inspired grave design with gravel can be implemented without any problems. To do this, first create elements such as boulders and individual, small plants with lots of greenery such as a teddy tree of life (Thuja occidentalis 'Teddy'). Don't use too many of these and stagger them. Then the gravel is poured in and straightened in one direction to create a flowing movement in the gravel. Take this idea as a guide to Japanese gardens.

Notice: Depending on the design idea, you should think about using a grave edging. For gravel, for example, an edging is recommended, while this can be dispensed with when using individual stones.

Different stone shapes: use: 5 ideas

Near-natural grave: A grave design that is close to nature is the best way to completely use stones made of granite or other materials. Use ground cover, herbs like thyme (thymus) and ornamental grasses that sit almost “randomly” between the stones. The effort is limited if you don't miss a regular cut.

The red sand thyme is ideal as a ground cover for grave design with natural stones

path plates: A classic par excellence are paving slabs made of natural stone. These can either be laid directly on the ground or lawn and are completely sufficient in combination with one or two plants. Lay out the path according to your preferences. Do not use hedges as a border, the cutting effort in this size is enormous.

Grave light in focus: If you want to make the grave simple but with a touch of melancholy, use grave lights and stones. Focus on one light that you place either in the middle or in one of the corners. Use a small stone platform to make the light even clearer. Field stones can also be used for this.

Decorative Tiers: If you want to use stone blocks, you can create multiple levels like steps. To do this, use the blocks to create frames that you can fill with and provide space for a plant, lawn or gravel. You can use as many stages as you want, just don't overload the tomb. Two or three are enough.

Stone buckets in different shapes: Just as easy to care for as the other ideas is the use of a stone bucket. This can be shaped according to your wishes from a wire mesh that is filled with stones. For example, if you have formed a heart or a simple square, you can fill it with stones and use it directly.

frequently asked Questions

What is an attractive alternative to stones?

If you want to create a grave that is easy to care for without loose stones, you should use a grave slab. This occupies the entire grave and can even serve as a tombstone. Although the acquisition costs are significantly higher and embedding requires a specialist, the plate can then be decorated with cut flowers, pictures and other decorations.

Are there guidelines for the grave design?

Yes. You must observe the current cemetery regulations, which specify exactly which points are to be taken into account in the design. These range from the valid border material to the approved plants.

Why can't graves be designed immediately?

The reason for this is the earth with which the tomb is sealed. This must first settle and condense, otherwise tombstones, decorative elements and plants can sink. The waiting time depends on the size and type and ranges from two (urn grave) to more than twelve months (double grave).

Category:

Garden design