1. Parsons Cemetery’s Tree and Garden Tour
Meet the Trees
Parsons Cemetery’s Tree and Garden Tour

2. Parsons Cemetery Invites You explore its majestic old trees and meaningful memorial trees
For many people, cemeteries are a place to see outstanding trees. There are many reasons why cemeteries offer superior trees. Cemetery trees are not disrupted by power lines, sidewalks, driveways, or other urban features that impact a tree's growth. Trees are often left alone in a cemetery and allowed to grow to their natural height and spread. 
Sometimes trees are planted at graves as a symbol. Yews and cedars suggest eternal life. Cherry trees represent the Japanese idea of "the perfect death." Oaks symbolize power or victory. Pines mean immortality, while poplars and weeping willows convey sorrowful memories.
Flowers convey love, grief, happiness and other emotions. Or they may have been planted as the deceased’s favorite, or simply to add color. also provide symbolism. Within Parsons flowers bloom in every season from daffodils to chrysanthemums, from pansies to daises, all the while being supported by one of the three camellia gardens planted with cold hardy camellias of varying color, form, and blooming seasons. The camellia gardens were gifted by the Alison J and Ella W Parsons Fund of Hampton Roads as a beautification project made part of a grant to restore the brick garden walls and hand crafted wrought iron gates previously gifted by Alison J. Parsons in honor of his parents and ancestors resting there.
In the future Parsons Cemetery intends to research and document these trees and tell their stories.

7. Parsons Cemetery’s Camellia Gardens Gifted by Alison J. and Ella W
Parsons Cemetery’s Camellia Gardens Gifted by Alison J. and Ella W. Parsons Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Alison J. and Ella W. Parsons loved flowers, gardens, and were National Judges for the American Camellia Society. Alison served as President of the American Camellia Society As part of a recently received grant to restore and refurbish the Cemetery Entrances originally gifted by Alison in honor of his parents and ancestors, the Fund included camellia gardens as a beautification project. The garden featured is the largest and is located in the Historic Section near where Alison and Ella now rest. The camellia gardens are planted with cold hardy varieties.
The pink Ella Ward Parsons Camellia is planted to the right of the Administrative Building.

8. Cemetery Orientation and Hints and Tips
Parsons Cemetery has over 13,000 graves covering 18 acres. From the Entrance Gates to the waterfront is approximately ½ mile. Walking shoes are suggested, and if you prefer to drive from location to location, please pull over to the side of the road as necessary to allow other vehicles to pass. And, please be mindful of the monuments at all times to avoid damaging them and/or your car. Please report any damages.
Parsons Cemetery is an operational cemetery, you can expect funerals, families attending graves, cemetery workers, and community members enjoying a walk or bike ride. Please be respectful of others and allow them their privacy.
Dogs must be leashed and please bring disposal bags as necessary to be prepared to clean up after them, there are trash cans spread out through the cemetery to collect trash.
The only restroom available is in the Cemetery’s Administrative Building which is secured when the Cemetery Manager is unavailable.
The Cemetery is open to the public daily and it is closed at dusk and the gates are locked.