Creating a memorial garden can be a wonderful way to commemorate a loved one, while allowing you to heal in a meaningful way. It can be a place for reflection and peace, a place to nurture, and a place to be creative, all of which are beneficial for our emotional well-being. If you are considering creating your own memorial garden, we have gathered a few lovely ideas and tips to help you get started.
Find a peaceful spot.
Try and find an area with relative privacy so that your time spent there can be peaceful. If you have only a small area to work with, try and make it as comfortable as possible. Add some wind chimes or a water feature to drown out any external noises, or if your garden is on a balcony, add some cushions or hanging fabrics to soften the outside hubbub.
Find plants and flowers with meaning.
Certain plants hold traditional meanings. For example yellow tulips are for friendship, red poppies represent eternal sleep, forget-me-nots can represent remembrance, as can rosemary. Do some research and choose flowers that mean the most to you and/or the person or people you are remembering. Choose flowers they loved, or perhaps have their favourite colour as the theme. Take a look at our blog on
what to plant in memory of a loved one for some inspiration.
Add some decor.
There are so many possibilities depending on the size and theme of your memorial garden, but some personal touches can really bring your garden to life. Using objects belonging to your loved one can be a lovely touch. Planting in a pair of old boots or watering can, adding an ornament or two, or reusing old planters or pots are all great ways to add a personal overtone. If they loved wildlife, you can add animal garden ornaments, or invite the real thing with specific wildflowers or a bird feeder. Design your garden with meaning, and remember there really are no rules.
Have somewhere to sit.
Somewhere for you to rest, take a break, and reflect comfortably can make all the difference. Add a bench, or a comfy chair, or even a small stool integrated into the garden itself. Make sure it is positioned so that you can admire the garden while you enjoy some thoughtful solitude.
Add some lighting.
Solar lights are a great way to add some magic to your garden. You could create a pathway to the area with solar stake lights, or perhaps add some fairy lights. There are some lovely individual solar ornaments available as well that can add something special to your garden during daylight and glow when night falls. Hanging candle lanterns can also be a meaningful way to commemorate a loved one in your garden, as it allows you to light a candle, which traditionally signifies remembrance.
All in all, creating your garden should be a wonderfully personal experience, which allows you to reflect on life and the future. It can be a constantly changing space just for you. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy it.
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