Planting a Memorial Garden for a Loved One? Follow These Helpful Suggestions

Memorial gardens are created to honor the life of a beloved family member, friend, or treasured pet. 

These special places are intended to help visitors call to mind fond memories and reflections in a tranquil setting. They can range from a single tree planted in a favorite spot to large plots of land containing beloved flowers, special mementos, and enduring features like statues and plaques. Incorporating thoughtfully-selected plants, flowers, and personal tributes to your loved one into their memorial garden will make it beautiful and provide you with a treasured space to visit whenever you want to feel close to them.

Here are six of our favorite tips for designing a breathtaking memorial garden that facilitates healing after loss.

Choose the location carefully.

As a special retreat, you’ll want to select an area that is quiet and private. This will allow you to spend time reflecting and remembering your loved one without distractions. Since you will want to tend to the garden regularly, it may be best to choose a spot on your property or close to home. You will likely plant flowers, shrubs, or trees, so be sure to select a location that gets a good amount of sunlight. This will encourage your plants to grow and will also radiate positivity.

Think creatively.

If your yard is small or if you live in an apartment, you can still create a lovely memorial planting. Purchase a large pot or window box and fill it with colorful perennials. Place it on the balcony and bring it indoors when the weather gets cold. No balcony? No problem. Purchase a special potted plant to display in a prominent location inside your home.

Consider adding a water feature.

The gentle flow of water encourages relaxation and promotes a calming effect. That’s why choosing a space near a stream or adding a water feature to your memorial garden will create a tranquil, peaceful remembrance area. Water also tends to attract native wildlife, including birds, small animals, and butterflies, which will help breathe life and beauty into the garden for years to come. Self-contained fountains are ideal for placing in memorial gardens in smaller spaces such as courtyards and patios. They are easy to install and maintain, as well.

Include a place to rest.

The memorial garden should be a quiet space for relaxation and remembrance, so add some beautiful seating to make your visits comfortable. A simple stone bench is ideal for placing under a favorite tree or in the corner of a treasured garden spot. You could even create a lasting tribute to your loved one by inscribing a meaningful motto, line of poetry, or personal quote.

Illuminate the space.

Add touches of light to create a beautiful sanctuary that can be visited at any time of the day or night. There are many lighting options available that are well-suited for memorial gardens. Soft solar-powered lights, lanterns, and candles are energy efficient and easy to maintain, and they provide just the right amount of brightness to any outdoor space. What’s more, solar-powered lighting will work any time of the year and will even illuminate during rain and fog.

Add some personal touches.

Incorporating symbolic details into your memorial garden will increase its meaning and significance. Some popular symbolic tributes include:

• Angels: Peace, protection, and the heavenly spirit
• Birds: Freedom, hope, and peace
• Hearts: Love and compassion
• Roses: Enduring love and affection

We’re here to help. If you have questions about memorial garden planning or wish to make funeral arrangements, our compassionate professionals are always available to assist you. Please reach out to us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.