thanks to jim & l.a. for their responses. right now, this cemetery is in a condition that prohibits mowing. it is treacherous even trying to walk through it. i seriously doubt that anyone could get rid of the vinca with any kind of weed killer without applying it relentlessly for a year or two... i had 3 beds of it in my current yard when i moved in and am still finding it after trying to remove it for the last 3 years. incidentally, l.a., since its roots are extremely shallow, it's not doing anything to stabilize the hillside in the cemetery you mentioned. it might slow surface erosion, but it sure won't slow down a landslide! my main concern is whether or not the weed killer would damage the stones, which is the case. i have contacted my cousin regarding it, and asked him to not use it. thanks for your help, everyone. scot