Dealing with the loss of a loved one – whether human or animal – is a difficult challenge that only gets better with time. However, creating a memorial garden in honor of your loved one can give you a quiet, reflective place to pay tribute to his or her life, grieve and be comforted. Follow these steps to create a memorial garden that will offer you some peace.
Determine your space.
Your memorial garden can be small or large depending on availability of space and the amount of work you want to put into it. If you are creating a memorial garden within your existing garden space, select an area that’s private but also visible from the inside of your home. If you are lacking garden space, a corner of your deck or patio will also work using special containers. To make the garden even more secluded, create boundaries for the space with stones or a fence.
Choose your plants.
First and foremost, the plants you choose need to be suitable for the soil and light conditions in your space. Use symbolic plants such as your loved one’s favorite flower, seasonal plants that bloom during his or her favorite time of year, plants with your loved one’s favorite color, or plants that represent certain dates and meanings.
Like birthstones, a flower or plant represents each month. Use these to symbolize a birthday or anniversary:
January – carnation
February – violet, primrose
March – daffodil, violet
April – daisy
May – lily of the valley
June – rose
July – larkspur, water lily, sweet pea
August – gladiolus
September – aster
October – calendula, dahlia
November – chrysanthemum
December – holly, poinsettia
Plants also have different meanings; perhaps there are certain feelings you want to represent. For example:
Acacia – eternal, immortal love
Baby’s Breath – sweet, gentle, innocent, harmless
Ferns – peace, acceptance, grace, serenity, gentility, quietude
Lily – faith, new life, grace, spiritual healing
Peonies – thoughts of the past, memories
Petunia – peace, harmony, serenity, uplifting of the body and soul
Rose – love, beauty
Zinnia – friendship, joy, laughter
If you aren’t sure what plants to choose, you can’t go wrong with forget-me-nots to represent ‘memory.’
Add decorative and symbolic elements.
Decorate your memorial garden to represent your loved one. Maybe he or she had a specific hobby like fishing or music. Incorporate statues of these special interests into the garden. Add more personal touches with an engraved rock with your loved one’s name or a special quote, and a photograph sealed in a weather-proofed frame. Other elements to consider in your memorial garden are a water feature to add to the tranquility and beauty of the space, and outdoor lighting so you can visit any time of day. Creating a personalized space with these elements will help you feel closer to your loved one.
Include seating.
Placing chairs or a bench among blooming flowers or tall trees in your memorial garden will increase comfort and allow for moments of reflection. Stay for a while and enjoy the peaceful retreat you’ve created!