memorial gardens

put forth what you want to attract meme

When we first discussed memorial gardens as a blog post topic, I was sure we’d feature only one post on the subject. But, as everyone knows, ideas evolve. Because I now believe there’s more to the topic than I originally thought. This post then, is the first in a series on memorial gardens. It’s intended to spark your imagination and stimulate creative thinking–in preparation for the next steps in creating this DIY memorial. Ready?

Think of a deceased friend, family member, or pet you’d like to honor with a memorial garden. Based on their personality and your desires, what would their garden look like?

forget-me-not-seed-packet

At first, I thought of my dad. His memorial garden would be full of his favorite flowers: snapdragons and tulips. Then, I thought of my mother. She wasn’t big on flowers, but she adored growing vegetables. (Born in 1922, both my parents were children of the depression; between the two, she was the practical one. Dad was an artist at heart, and he’d love lots of color in his memorial garden. Mom would rather have provided nourishing food to her community.)

I asked other folks what kind of memorial garden they’d plant to honor someone special to them. One fellow’s memorial garden idea–for his father, who could only grow crab grass, peppers, and tomatoes–was a rock garden. Interspersed among the rocks would be potted plants – including a (potted) patch of crab grass. When I heard that, I thought “What a great memorial garden idea!” Others started coming to the fore, including indoor dish gardens, and planter box gardens (great for those without a back yard (people living in an apartment, for example).

So, let’s get back to the evolution of this post; from just one; into a series. For those with a yard in which to plant, there will be three posts:

Planning a Memorial Garden: Step-by-Step
Selecting the Right Flowers, Trees or Shrubs
Preparing the Soil, Planting, and Maintaining the Memorial Garden

For those who don’t have an outdoor space, we’ll also look at indoor memorial garden ideas, including dish gardens and planter box gardens.

The final post in the series will focus on ways you can incorporate your loved one’s memorial garden in healing (and honoring) rituals on those ‘special days’ (death anniversary, birthday…wedding anniversary…) when commemoration is due. So stay tuned.

Are you looking for other ways to honor a loved one on the anniversary of their passing? Then, you’re sure to find “Twelve Ways to Celebrate a Loved One’s Death Anniversary” of interest. Oh! Since it’s still February, I’m going to offer this month’s celebration of love, “Beauty from the Ashes: Heart Shaped Urns” and last year’s “Heart-Shaped Urns: A Love Story”.

UrnGarden Greeting

Many of our clients are keeping the cremated remains of their loved ones close….in the home or on the property. Today, we’re sharing some examples of loving tributes created by real people. My grandmother, Etta introduced me to the healing and restorative powers of memorial gardens when she lost her husband and son.

At the time, Etta lived in a rural area and had the space to create her memorial garden. She chose a military theme to honor her husband and son’s service in the Navy.

urngarden memorial garden

Not the greatest photo, but you get the idea. Several years later, we packed her up and moved her closer to the family in a condo right in the middle of town. The fountain was sold at an auction, but the remainder of the garden was transplanted to the men’s burial site.

Apartment dwellers and other urbanites may not have the luxury of a small space for planting, but there are other alternatives and we’ll cover those tomorrow. For more information on creating a loving memorial garden or tribute, visit our site urngarden.com

Other examples:

“What I did was set up bird feeders because Eddie so loved his birds. I remember on the morning of his death- it was just daybreak- and as they carried his body to the ambulance, the birds were singing everywhere! Everyone noticed. It seemed the birds sensed something was very different and were saying goodbye (or maybe hello) to him.”

“My husband died very young of a chronic illness. His acceptance of his death was beyond understanding. He asked that his ashes become “part of the good earth”. He died on the vernal equinox. On the summer solstice, our family planted a flowering crab tree, one he always wanted, with his ashes mixed into the roots. Our oldest son graduated from high school one year later, and we took pictures of him in his cap and gown with “Dad”, who was blossoming beautifully. As long as they live, this will always be “Dad’s tree.”

Our tree dedication stones are an excellent way to dedicate your sacred space.

For those without the room or the ability to create an elaborate, in-ground garden, a patio or indoor pot can be planted instead. A simple potted planting can be just as meaningful as more complex garden. Bend a wire coat hanger into the shape of a heart and secure in potting soil. Plant a climbing vine that you can train to grow up the wire. Rosemary symbolizes remembrance, English Ivy friendship are easy plants to train into a topiary form.

Today’s tip for better living: Tell everyone special to you that you love them!

DIY Memorials: Let’s Talk about Memorial Gardens

Back Yard Memorial Gardens