Only the sturdy firs and spruces could hold their own against it . So there were no orchards or groves or flower gardens in North Point . Just over the hill , in a sheltered southwest valley , was the North Point church with the graveyard behind it , and this graveyard was the most beautiful spot in North Point or near it . The North Point folk loved flowers . They could not have them about their homes , so they had them in their graveyard . It was a matter of pride with each family to keep the separate plot neatly trimmed and weeded and adorned with beautiful blossoms . It was one of the unwritten laws of the little community that on some selected day in May everybody would repair to the graveyard to plant , trim and clip . It was not an unpleasant duty , even to those whose sorrow was fresh . It seemed as if they were still doing something for the friends who had gone when they made their earthly resting places beautiful . As for the children , they looked forward to `` Graveyard Day '' as a very delightful anniversary , and it divided its spring honours with the amount of the herring catch . `` Tomorrow is Graveyard Day , '' said Minnie Hutchinson at school recess , when all the little girls were sitting on the fence . `` Ai n't I glad ! I 've got the loveliest big white rosebush to plant by Grandma Hutchinson 's grave . Uncle Robert sent it out from town . '' `` My mother has ten tuberoses to set out , '' said Nan Gray proudly . `` We 're going to plant a row of lilies right around our plot , '' said Katie Morris . Every little girl had some boast to make , that is , every little girl but Freda . Freda sat in a corner all by herself and felt miserably outside of everything . She had no part or lot in Graveyard Day . `` Are you going to plant anything , Freda ? ''
asked Nan , with a wink XXXXX the others .
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