Question
I live in NH and recently lost both my parents.  Is there a perennial that I can plant by their grave site that will grow mostly without care (I can give it all the care needed now) but am thinking of when I am gone so their grave site still looks nice when there is no one to care for it.  There are no restrictions on what can and cannot be planted in the cemetary.  They have perputal care so the lawn is mowed.  I live close enough to go everyday but when I die I would still like it to look good.  Thanks.

Answer
Dear Kathie,
 What a lovely idea.  I can think of 3 shrubs that are easy to care for.  All 3 need to be cut back after the first frost.
  The shortest is the Peonie-about 24-30" tall, blooms around Memorial Day; the second is a Rose od Sharon bush, there are single flowers and double blooms and a variety of colors, I keep some of mine cut down so that when they bloom they are about 36"; the last is a butterfly bush.  This one take the most care-deadheading the spent blooms etc. this one will get to 4-5' unless you find a dwarf variety.
  The first 2 do not need a lot of water and can withstand drought.

Sijka