4.5. Archaeological significance

LANDSCAPE, GARDENS and PLANTINGS

Description: Around the columbaria and Memorial Boulders are small decorative gardens. The most significant plantings are the mature Norfolk Island Pines and Eucalypts, while along the western fence line area several mature species including banksia, Eucalypts. The columbaria and small gardens adjacent the internal access road include a mixture of native species such as Callistemon and introduced species such as geranium, agapanthus, lavender, rosemary and succulents. These are likely a result of planting by the public rather than by horticultural staff.

Analysis: The modest gardens suit the nature of the cemetery. The long-term retention of mature trees is important. The success of native species in the sandy soil encourages further plantings of similar types.

Ranking: High

Mature Norfolk Island pine. Internal access road - mature Eucalypts centre. Garden planting associated with columbaria.

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Description: A traditional grid layout with designated sections for denominational and nondenominational burials, in contrast to the Judeo-Christian norm several earlier graves face south. A central sealed road continues along the eastern and southern boundaries. The earliest graves were located at the furthest extremities of the cemetery according to denomination (Anderson Presbyterian north-west corner; Boyd – Anglican, south-west corner; Marks - Primitive Methodist north-east corner). Since the 1980s beams have been used for the introduction of new interment areas.

Analysis: The cemetery has a layout that is consistent with other cemeteries investigated as part of this project.

Ranking: High

Note: graves are facing south Modern beam layout