A memorial garden is for a beloved pet, family member, friend, or partner to honor and celebrate the life of someone so dearly loved. These are unique spaces intended to help visitors and families recall fond memories and reflections in a peaceful, tranquil setting.
A memorial garden can be as small or as sprawlingly significant as the gardener decides it needs to be. Whether large plots of land or a small section in the backyard, you can fill your memorial garden with a loved one's favorite flowers, unique memorial garden keepsakes, statues, and plaques.
Not everyone, however, has a green thumb, and if the idea of a memorial garden is perfect for celebrating your loved one's life but have no idea how to make a lasting legacy with a memorial garden, we'd like to share with you some of our favorite tips for designing a breathtaking garden that will last and help facilitate healing after loss.
Peace and Tranquility
As this garden, large or small, will be a place to retreat to, you will want to choose an area of land or a space in your home that is the quietest and, ideally, the most private. This matters because your memorial garden will become a sanctuary to you and your loved ones, and having no distractions allows you and others the space and quiet to think, remember, and reflect.
Since you no doubt want to tend the garden regularly, choosing a spot on your property or close to home may be best. If growing or planting flowers, trees, or shrubs, you will most likely want a spot with plenty of sunshine for the plants needing it.
Favorite Plants
Consider planting a lost loved one's favorite flowers, herbs, shrubs, or plants. If gardening is not your forte, you may consider planting annuals or perennial plants.
Annual Plants
Annual plants will grow and complete their entire life cycle in one growing season. They grow from a seed packet, flower, set seeds, and then die within the same year. Examples include marigolds, petunias, and zinnias.
Perennial Plants
Perennial plants continue growing for more than two years, often featuring flowers. Perennials, including trees, fruits, vegetables, and other flowering plants, can be woody or non-woody. Perennials are typically cold-hardy plants that can last every year during spring.
The consensus for a beginner to gardening is that many annuals are relatively low maintenance and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for novice gardeners.
Finding their favorite plants:
- Think of any flowers they may have loved to stop and smell, delivered to their house, or grown in their garden.
- Do they have a favorite flavor, like rose or lavender, or a favorite scent, like honeysuckle and lilacs?
- What was their favorite color?
- Did they love eating spicy peppers and growing vegetables? Consider sprinkling a small vegetable plot along with their favorite flowers.
The Language of Flowers
Certain plants hold profoundly personal and symbolic meanings. When you mourn a lost love or partner, you may feel drawn to sweetheart roses. Carnations are sympathy flowers to acknowledge a loved one who was deeply Christian. Other examples and meanings include:
- Orchids are a symbol of eternal love and great admiration and respect.
- Purple Hyacinth has a dual symbolism of both sorrow and forgiveness.
- Lilies symbolize both new chapters and beginnings.
- Red roses symbolize deep love and affection; white roses symbolize innocence, purity, and deep respect; dark pink roses embody gratitude and appreciation.
- Gladioli symbolizes a person of high moral integrity and character and a deeply caring individual.
- White chrysanthemums are often a sign of sorrow within Asian cultures, and most European cultures see them as a symbol of death for memorials.
- Tulips represent someone you hold in high regard; yellow tulips are associated with hope, while white are symbols of worthiness or great respect.
Add Elements That Sooth And Relax
Consider a small or large—depending on budget—water feature. The sound of gently flowing water trickling lazily against rocks or more water can encourage relaxation and calmness. Water also attracts native wildlife from small birds, bees, and butterflies, which help pollinate and breathe even more life and beauty into your garden for years.
Include Resting Spots, Lighting, And Small Personal Touches
Add comfortable seating for you and your guests to sit comfortably in your beautiful garden or memorial space. A simple wood, metal, or stone bench can be ideal to place under a favorite tree or shady spot.
For a truly peaceful, enchanting moment, add touches of tiny lights to your memorial sanctuaries, such as solar-powered fairy lights or color-changing lights, so that no matter the time of day or night when you or your guests seek comfort, they can do so.
For personal touches, try adding angels or birds, hearts or roses for other meaningful symbols to you and your loved one.
At Legacy Urns, we are here to help you in any way we can. If you have any questions about our cremation urns and memorial garden placement or any other inquiries about our urns, please reach out to our compassionate professionals today. It would be our pleasure to assist.