In most cases none as the council want to be able to mow right across the grave.

It can be difficult because you sort of kind of tend it or see things on a day to day basis,in the garden .,How about(we did this) spring bulbs,daffs and snowdrops or even bluebells for Feb to May, and an evergreen shrub with nice foilage a few flowers and possibly seasonal berries(,for that ask your local garden centre about what grows best in your area).T he shrub needs to be compact and not invasive.It will have to be edged off as it could well get mowed over

We planted 2 rose bushes either side of my mother-in-law's headstone many years ago. I frequently visited it for the first few months to water them, and now they probably only get a bit of tlc atleast a few times a year. They still look wonderful. I definitely agree with other posts, and have learnt from experience not to plant anything further along the grave if it isn't edged off - the council will just wreck it.

There is a lovely tree surrounded country churchyard near us. Some of the graves are very tastefully planted, much as suggested above. Others have artificial flowers. Friends were a bit surprised that this was allowed, as their church ( very posh) says please don't use them. My mum and dad's grave is municipal and just headstones with a central pot insert, and the contents are artificial. It seems that what is allowed in graveyards is very variable. Dedicated grave tenders in the churchyard mentioned have made what amounts to lovely mini gardens.

Even if you have a graveyard that allows planting they will only do as you ask in your question if tended? Spring and summer Bulbs will flower but can look scruffy after flowering?. Plants such as Roses need care, dead heading, pruning feeding, and watering? Perhaps a bench with a name plate might be possible nearby?

I agree Drc about roses, but it's amazing how robust they are. As with any plant, I suppose. Sometimes you can give it all the care in the world and it will thrive wonderfully, but there's also the 'forgotten' ones who get no water (except rain water of course) or attention and they still survive and come back year after year. My neighbours garden is a prime example, full of rose bushes and other delights that nobody has cared for in the whole 7 years we've been here. Nature is a wonderful thing!

I think an unkempt grave is sadder than a grass one BB and roses need care if not to look neglected and straggly.

Oh I agree, but we don't know how regularly the grave will be attended.

:))