St Saviours Cemetery located behind Goulburn Jail looked in a horrible state.
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That was until the gardening group, Cemetery Friends, from Goulburn's Historic Cemeteries came together to give the place a fresher look.
Still a work in progress, the Friends member Heather West said they had been tidying the graves overgrown with grass and weeds following years of neglect.
"The cemetery is starting to look more cared for," Ms West said.
"We are clearing the weeds and poisoning them so they won't grow back.
"We will also need to mow the grass and trim off the low lying branches of trees to improve access through the cemetery."
This spring has given the cemetery a pretty look, with grape hyacinths growing all over the venue, creating a carpet of purple flowers.
"The bulbs have survived the long years of drought and are showing their appreciation of the rain earlier this year," Ms West said.
Ms West said she was fortunate to have young volunteers help out and encouraged other members of the public to do the same.
"Some younger volunteers joined us last weekend and it was amazing how much was accomplished," she said.
"Anyone who would like to help regularly or occasionally, would be very welcome.
"Keeping the area mown will be an ongoing job.
"Once the graves are tidied, the other maintenance should be minimal.
"As the saying goes, 'many hands make light work.'"
The warmer weather has brought out the snakes, so visitors should be watchful, as several have been spotted in recent weeks.
Cemetery Friends are also researching the people buried at both St Saviours and Mortis St cemeteries, so they can create a comprehensive database for anyone researching their family history.
They are calling out for anyone with ancestors buried in the cemeteries to reach out so people can be contacted to share their research and participate in discussions if graves are at risk of serious deterioration.
To offer to volunteer with the cleaning of St Saviours Cemetery or to share information on any of those buried there, email goulburn.historic.cemeteries@gmail.com
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