Columbia Gardens Cemetery

11/11/2020

Every day, and especially on this Veterans Day, we remember and honor the more than 750 veterans whose final resting place is Columbia Gardens Cemetery.

11/09/2020

Columbia Gardens Cemetery's cover photo

11/09/2020

How can you support our 2nd Wreaths Across America Day at Columbia Gardens Cemetery? 🇺🇸 Sponsor the purchase of Remembrance wreaths. Please order by November 30. 🇺🇸 Volunteer to place wreaths at the grave sites of more than 750 veterans at the cemetery on December 19. 🇺🇸 Invite friends to help. Visit columbiagardenscemtery.org.

10/15/2020

The Arlington Rose Foundation Rose Auction and Rooting Workshop has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2:00 — 4:30 pm, in the Columbia Gardens Memorial Rose Garden. Please join us to bid on rose bushes and attend a workshop on how to grow roses from cuttings. ARF members: free. Non-members: $15. Visit arlingtonrose.org for details.

10/08/2020

Recently, Arlington Rose Foundation (ARF) members attended a tutorial on growing healthy roses in our Memorial Rose Garden. Pam Powers (right), Consulting Rosarian to Columbia Gardens Cemetery, gave tips on soil enrichment, fertilizing, pruning and the types of roses best suited to our climate. Daun Thomas Frankland (left), President, Columbia Gardens Cemetery, explained how the Rose Garden has expanded during the cemetery’s 100+ year history to its current size of more than 170 rose bushes and her future plans to host receptions and weddings in the garden. Attend the Annual ARF Auction & Rooting Workshop, Sunday, October 11, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, in the Rose Garden. ARF members: free. Non-members: $15. Visit arlingtonrose.org for details.

09/14/2020

Kline Memorials is installing another beautiful mausoleum at Columbia Gardens Cemetery!

09/07/2020

A Labor Day suggestion – since you have the day off anyway, why not take a stroll through the arboretum at Columbia Gardens Cemetery? Discover the winding pathways that lead through acres of towering trees, many of which are identified with QR codes that provide information about the species, life span and more. Stroll through our Memorial Rose Garden with 200 rose bushes, and see the beautiful plantings in the Cremation Garden. Both have benches to rest from your walk and enjoy a peaceful moment to refresh and renew.

09/05/2020

A virtual gathering helps bring family and friends together in a time of need. Columbia Gardens Cemetery offers virtual “Zoom” video for burial and cremation services where distance or other circumstances are keeping people apart. Crystal clear video and audio can be shared with literally hundreds of people as they come together to celebrate the life of a loved one. Please contact our office for more information. columbiagardenscemetery.org

08/10/2020

During the July 21st virtual meeting of the Arlington County Board, Chair Libby Garvey took time to recognize Columbia Gardens Cemetery’s national arboretum status. Chair Garvey also noted the cemetery’s long history as part of the Arlington community and that the Thomas family has continuously owned Columbia Gardens since its founding in 1917. This tradition continues today with Daun Thomas Frankland, great-granddaughter of the founder, serving as President of the cemetery. She described Columbia Gardens as a “wonderful asset to the community” and encouraged residents to take a walk to enjoy our lovely grounds.

Our Level I Accreditation by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and the Morton Arboretum is based on the care of our grounds, preservation of our trees, and management of our environment. We are one of only 33 cemeteries to receive this honor in the U.S.

07/09/2020

June 14 was a historic day for Columbia Gardens Cemetery when Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, assisted by Father Christopher Christensen, parochial vicar of the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, blessed our beautiful Cremation Garden. We are very proud to receive this honor. The last time Columbia Gardens was honored with a blessing by the Catholic Church was in the1950s when the bishop of the Diocese of Richmond came to bless the cemetery’s Catholic section and the cemetery as a whole.

07/04/2020

The Memorial Rose Garden at Columbia Gardens Cemetery was supposed to be the site for a special tea (hats and all) for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Due to current social distancing restrictions, Daun Thomas Frankland hosted the tea virtually via Zoom, surrounded by nearly 200 rose bushes in the garden. Daun has held a variety of leadership and committee positions with the DAR and Children of the American Revolution (CAR), spanning 40 years. Currently, she is the Regent of the Thomas Nelson Chapter, DAR, in Arlington. On this July 4th, we recognize the DAR and their continued work to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence.
https://www.facebook.com/ThomasNelsonDAR

06/24/2020

Arlington Catholic Herald

This afternoon, Bishop Burbidge, assisted by Father Christensen, blessed the cremation garden of Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington. Read all about the church’s teaching on cremation in the next issue of the paper.

06/23/2020

How much water does a rose bush need?

Roses are heavy drinkers! For healthy roses this summer, follow these guidelines from Pam Powers, our Consulting Rosarian:

• To thrive, roses need an average of 4 gallons of water a week in 70-degree temperatures. An inch of rain equals about 3 gallons of water.

• For every 10-degree average above 70 degrees, add another gallon.

• Deep watering twice a week is better than shallow watering daily.

•When planting, test holes for draining and improve clay soil. No plant likes wet feet.

Sean , a member of our summer Dew Crew, shows the correct way to water roses in our Memorial Rose Garden.

http://www.columbiagardenscemetery.org

06/15/2020

Columbia Gardens is a park-like oasis in the middle of a highly urban setting — as evidenced by our recent visitor. This sweet deer wandered through our grounds this morning, chewing on our flowers! As a nationally accredited arboretum, we take great pride in preserving our trees, managing our environment and creating a home for a wide variety of wildlife. Learn more about arboretums: http://arbnet.org/morton-register/columbia-gardens-cemetery

06/12/2020

Be proud and celebrate Flag Day on Sunday, June 14. Flag Day commemorates the official adoption of the United States flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The first national observance of Flag Day was on the 100th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes on June 14, 1877. The current flag with 50 stars was flown for the first time on June 14, 1960. Long may our flag wave!

06/05/2020

What are basal breaks?

Basal breaks are the emergence of new canes directly from the base of the plant. (See the reddish canes in the photo). They are very desirable and a sign that the bush is rejuvenating itself with new canes that will replace older, worn out canes. “Your rose bushes are thriving when you see basal breaks!” says Pam Powers, our Consulting Rosarian.

Encourage basal breaks with:

• Proper spring pruning

• Correct soil pH of 6.25 -7.0

• Organic enriched soil

• Magnesium from Epsom salts added to liquid fertilizer

• Appropriate amounts of water

Now is a perfect time to visit our Memorial Rose Garden while it is in full bloom. Come take a walk through our grounds! http://www.columbiagardenscemetery.org

05/24/2020

On Memorial Day Monday, come see our spectacular rose garden. Our rose expert, Pam Powers, will be available from 9:00 to 11:00 am to answer any questions you may have about growing your own roses or about the many varieties of roses in our Memorial Rose Garden. Find inspiration for your own garden, get some exercise and take beautiful photos. Social distancing guidelines apply. We hope to see you there. columbiagardenscemetery.org

05/23/2020

Honoring the more than 1,000 veterans who lay at rest in Columbia Gardens Cemetery is a family tradition that is generations old. Every Memorial Day our family and staff place American flags on veterans’ grave sites. It’s a small tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. Columbia Gardens Cemetery is the final resting place for veterans of World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the other conflicts in which America has stepped up to defend freedom around the world. We hope you will visit our Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend and pay respect to those generations who have come before us.
columbiagardenscemetery.org

05/18/2020

Pre-planning gives you and your family peace of mind.
Planning ahead for funeral and burial arrangements relieve your family of the burden of having to make decisions at a stressful time. Pre-planning is a true gift of love for your family - both emotionally and financially. Columbia Gardens Cemetery is approved by the State of Virginia to accept pre-payment for funeral and burial services. If you have not yet decided what arrangement you would like, we are here to guide and support you. We will explain burial, cremation, memorialization, options for funeral services and more.
Learn more here:
http://www.columbiagardenscemetery.org/here-for-you/pre-need-planning/

05/15/2020

Due to the Coronavirus health crisis and to comply with social distancing guidelines, the Arlington Bunny Hop has been restructured as a “Virtual 5K”. Participants will run/walk a course of their choosing.

The net proceeds of this year’s Virtual 5K will benefit local Arlington charities OAR and Bridges. Columbia Gardens Cemetery is proud to be a Sponsor of the Bunny Hop again this year.

For details and to register, visit arlingtonbunnyhop.org

05/05/2020

No, we’re just feeling let down that we had to cancel our Spring Fling on May 9 — but we’re really looking forward to our annual Fall Family Festival. Save the date for Saturday, October 24,12:00 — 3:00 pm. We’re planning a special afternoon filled with fall activities for adults and children. So, mark your calendar, stay safe and we’ll see you then. http://www.columbiagardenscemetery.org/news-events/.

05/01/2020

Columbia Gardens Cemetery is proud to be part of the Arlington community for 103 years. Virginia Hospital Center (VHC) has been serving our community for more than 75 years. Columbia Gardens is grateful for the extraordinary service of VHC's doctors, nurses and staff during the Coronavirus pandemic. Please help support the Hospital's efforts at this critical time by making a donation to the COVID-19 Fund at https://vhcfoundation.com/covid19/.

04/09/2020

Gardening Tips on Pruning

Want to grow beautiful roses like these?
Pam Powers, our Consulting Rosarian, offers tips throughout the growing season. Now, it’s time to prune. Pruning promotes the overall health of the bush, helps activate lower bud growth on healthy canes and shapes the bush cosmetically. Here’s how:

1. Practice “no fear” pruning. Don’t be timid about pruning bushes that have leafed out in early spring.
2. Pull mulch away and inspect the bush from bottom to top.
3. Use sharp, sanitized bypass pruners to cut dead, diseased, dying, crossing and spindly canes.
4. Achieve good airflow by removing crossing and spindly canes in the center of bushes, especially in shrubs.
5. To activate lower bud eyes (future growth), cut healthy canes back proportionally, cutting ¼” above an outward facing bud.
6. Seal any cuts larger than a pencil with Elmer’s glue to discourage cane borers.

Check this space in May for more growing tips.

Gardening Tips on Pruning

Want to grow beautiful roses like these?
Pam Powers, our Consulting Rosarian, offers tips throughout the growing season. Now, it’s time to prune. Pruning promotes the overall health of the bush, helps activate lower bud growth on healthy canes and shapes the bush cosmetically. Here’s how:

1. Practice “no fear” pruning. Don’t be timid about pruning bushes that have leafed out in early spring.
2. Pull mulch away and inspect the bush from bottom to top.
3. Use sharp, sanitized bypass pruners to cut dead, diseased, dying, crossing and spindly canes.
4. Achieve good airflow by removing crossing and spindly canes in the center of bushes, especially in shrubs.
5. To activate lower bud eyes (future growth), cut healthy canes back proportionally, cutting ¼” above an outward facing bud.
6. Seal any cuts larger than a pencil with Elmer’s glue to discourage cane borers.

Check this space in May for more growing tips.

03/21/2020

We Are Here for You During the Coronavirus Crisis

Columbia Gardens Cemetery has temporarily suspended our regular office hours during the Coronavirus health crisis. However, we are continuing to provide comfort and services for families in their time of loss. Please know that we are nearby and can arrange to meet with you for a same-day appointment or speak with you via phone to assist with arrangements for funeral services, purchase of burial space or other needs. Simply call us at 703.527.1235.

Our grounds remain open from daylight to dusk and offer a beautiful setting to enjoy a moment of peace in the middle of these stressful times. You are welcome to enjoy walking throughout our grounds.
For more information about Columbia Gardens and our services, visit columbiagardenscemetery.org.

03/19/2020

We are excited to share with our Arlington community an educational and outdoor opportunity to practice safe social distancing while learning about the history of, nature within, and people buried at Columbia Gardens Cemetery.

Within the mobile App Store of your choice, download the FREE geo-triggered gaming app for all ages: Agents of Discovery!

Once downloaded, under missions, simply select the Columbia Gardens Cemetery mission. Enjoy your crowd-free tour with our virtual tour guide, Agent Tom S. Fox.

Comment below with any questions. We'll be happy to help. Learn more here: http://www.columbiagardenscemetery.org/news-events/

02/26/2020

"The best friend on earth of man is the tree..." Frank Lloyd Wright

Come visit anytime, sunrise to sunset, to say goodbye to an old friend... lost to age, a decaying core and a 12 foot vertical split. This majestic oak, more than 7 feet in diameter, stood in Columbia Gardens Cemetery for more than 100 years.

Stay to say hello to the more than 30 trees planted during the past two years by the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria along with the cemetery.

Once again, the tree stewards will be on hand to offer planting advice at our Spring Fling May 9, 12-3 pm. http://www.columbiagardenscemetery.org/news-events/

02/20/2020

Cherry buds are blooming at Columbia Gardens Cemetery!
Valentine's weekend blossomed the first signs of spring. Come visit and walk our paths to discover which cherry trees were first to bloom.

Using your phone's camera you may scan the QR codes tagged on trees throughout the cemetery grounds to learn more about the different species!

02/05/2020

Have you ever heard of pre-need planning?
Pre-planning gives you and your family peace of mind.

Learn about more of the benefits here: http://www.columbiagardenscemetery.org/here-for-you/pre-need-planning/

12/17/2019

Columbia Gardens’ first annual Wreaths Across America Day was a great success! Many thanks to those in attendance who gave their time helping to honor and remember our veterans...

-Local American Heritage Girls Troop
-Local DAR chapter
-Active and Retired Military
-Families of veterans layed to rest at Columbia Gardens
-Neighbors of the Arlington and nearby communities

After a brief opening ceremony, with special remarks by Colonel D’Anne E. Spence of the United States Air Force, over one-hundred volunteers went to work dispersing all of the wreaths to veterans’ headstones.

12/06/2019

Join a grateful nation in saying “thank you” to our veterans on Wreaths Across America Day as we host our first-ever #WreathsAcrossAmericaDay at Columbia Gardens Cemetery.

You are cordially invited to honor the veterans that have found their final resting place at Columbia Gardens Cemetery by volunteering your time to place wreaths at the headstones of more than 1,000 American heroes on our grounds. #RememberHonorTeach

Sign up below, invite your friends, and we will see you and your families at 9am on the 14th of December! #PlayAPart2019

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/159338/Overview/

11/27/2019

Columbia Gardens Cemetery's cover photo

11/27/2019

Will you be running in Arlington’s sold-out Turkey Trot, voted “Best Local Running Race”, this Thanksgiving? The 14-year long Arlington tradition has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local nonprofits that provide food, shelter, and more for Arlington residents.
Columbia Gardens Cemetery is proud to be a sponsor of this community event. We hope you enjoy the neighborhood course. We are thankful for our Arlington neighbors!

10/18/2019

Douglas Coe - Wikipedia

Born on, October 20, 1928, Douglas Evans Coe (October 20, 1928 – February 21, 2017) was associate director of the Christian organization, The Fellowship (also known as a family of friends in Christ, the Prayer Breakfast groups). He has also been referred to as the "stealth Billy Graham".

In 2005, Coe was named one of the 25 most influential Evangelicals in the United States by Time magazine. Coe was an ordained ruling elder and lay minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Columbia Gardens is honored to have Mr. Coe and the loved ones of other families under our care. www.columbiagardenscemetery.org

Douglas Evans Coe (October 20, 1928 – February 17, 2017) was the associate director of The Fellowship (also known as a family of friends in Christ, the Prayer Breakfast Jadelynn Coe groups).[2] He has also been referred to as the "stealth Billy Graham".[3] In 2005, Coe was named one of the 25 most...