Grief is a natural response to loss, and it can be difficult to know how to honor our loved ones who have passed away. One way to cherish their memory is by creating a memorial garden. This can be a beautiful way to remember those we have lost, and it can also provide solace during times of grief. In this blog post, we will discuss how to create a memorial garden that will commemorate your loved ones in the most beautiful way possible. Here are our 9 backyard memorial garden ideas to inspire your beautiful project:
1. Think through location & size
The location of your memorial garden is an important consideration. You will want to choose a spot that is peaceful and serene, and that provides some privacy. It may be a good idea to place the garden near your home, or in a spot that was special to your loved one. You will also need to decide on the size of your memorial garden. It should be large enough to accommodate all of the items you wish to include, but not so large that it becomes difficult to maintain.
2. Bring the space to life with plants
Wondering what to plant in a memorial garden? The plants you choose for your memorial garden are another important consideration. You will want plants that are both beautiful and suitable for the climate in your area. Be sure to choose plants that will bloom at different times of the year, so that the garden is always flowering. Perennial plants like ivy, rose bushes, lilies and daisies area great place to start. Lavendar, Sunflowers and Hostas are also great options. Plants like this create color and beauty, a symbol of a celebration of life, rather than a memorial space of sorrow. Consider planting a tree as a major point of interest - symbolic of the life of your loved one. This tree could resemble their favourite fruit, it could be a native to their home country or come from a country that might have been their most favourite holiday destination. A tree of life to honor their life would be a beautiful touch to your space.
Once you have selected the plants for your garden, it is time to start planting! If you are not sure where to begin, there are many online resources and books available that can help you get started. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to create a memorial garden - the most important thing is that it brings you comfort and peace.
3. Include water
Including the soothing sound and ambience of water in your memorial garden can be a beautiful way to remember your loved ones. A fountain or pond can provide a tranquil setting and serve as a focal point for the garden. We love water in memorial spaces for some key reasons; (1) Symbolism - water is a symbol of life and a beautiful way to remember life; (2) Serenity - a memorial garden with water can be incredibly calming,. tranquil and soothing, providing a refuge from the stresses of everyday life; (3) Beauty & Tranquillity - water is one of the most beautiful elements in nature, and it can add an element of beauty to any memorial garden and; (4) Healing Power - The power of water has been recognized for centuries, and it is often used in healing rituals. A memorial garden with water may provide some comfort to those who are grieving, offering them a place for healing and peace. Remember it doesn't have to a huge body of water - a small feature will do just fine. It all comes down to person taste - you'll know what feels right.
4. Add a Memorial Garden Stone to define the space
Outdoor memorial garden stones also enhance your memorial space beautifully; adding beauty and symmetry to the garden, creating a focal point and a constant reminder of your loved one's life and legacy. Some memorial stones can be purchased with custom engravings, or perhaps you want your message to be more simplified, for example 'Always in our hearts' to convey a message of love and care. There are many options out there, choose one that best resonates with you and your loved one's memory. You can view some options here:
5. Introduce Memorial Wind Chimes for Ambience
We have a special love for sympathy wind chimes - a beautiful addition to a memorial garden. Every time there is a gentle breeze, soft tones gently travel throughout your garden. A reminder of beautiful moments and happy memories. Wind chimes have a special power to evoke memories and emotions.
6. Light it up
Including lighting in a memorial garden can be a beautiful way to honor your loved ones and enjoy this newly created space, day or night. There are many different types of lights that you can use, such as solar lights, LED lights, or gaslights. Solar lights are a great option for memorial gardens, as they are both affordable and eco-friendly. LED lights are also a good choice, as they last for a long time and emit very little heat. Gaslights are a traditional option for memorial gardens, and they can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. No matter which type of light you choose, be sure to position them in a way that will create a beautiful display. You may want to place them around the perimeter of the garden, or in strategic locations around the pond or fountain. Whatever you decide, be sure to light your memorial garden in a way that will create an effect of beauty and peace.
7. Other features to consider
What do you put in a memorial garden that hasn't already been covered? There are many features you can add to a memorial garden. Memorial benches, chairs and seating areas provide a space to sit, stop and enjoy the garden. Pathways also make access to all areas easier, allowing you to enjoy all that your garden space has to offer. Outdoor memorial statues can be a beautiful addition to any yard memorial garden, and they can also be symbolic of the life of your loved one. There are just so many memorial garden ornaments to choose from and the best part is they don't always have to be a 'memorial themed' item. Just something that sparks a memory, a moment, a smile for you is the perfect addition for your new space.
No matter what features you decide to include, choose features that were important to your loved one or that would be meaningful to you. Choosing features that are symbolic of their life makes the space truly unique to them and only them. Maybe your loved one loved birds and a bird feeder is an ideal feature. Perhaps they often spent time fishing and a small fish pond would be ideal. Maybe they loved their food and a herb and vegetable planter is the perfect addition. Whatever their passions, hobbies and characteristics were, there will be a feature to include that makes the space truly unique to them.
8. Maintenance
Once your memorial garden is created, it will need regular care and maintenance. Be sure to include tasks such as weeding, watering, and trimming in your gardening schedule. Maintenance is also an important factor when choosing all of your features, plants and additions to the space. Consider how much time you want to invest, and how much ongoing maintenance you'd be willing to put into the space, then make your choices around this factor. It would be a shame to create an incredible space that you don't have time to maintain. Maintaining your memorial space is as important as the features you decide to include within it. So on this point, remember that a memorial garden can be as big or small as you can manage.
9. Be open to change
Just because you've chosen certain features now, doesn't mean it can't change later. You may want to add personal touches to your garden over time. This could include adding new plants, changing the décor, or adding a plaque or statue to commemorate your loved ones later on. As time passes you'll discover the plants and features that work well in your space and those that don't. Some plants will be bigger than you anticipated, or might have too much/too little sun and need to
be moved. That's totally OK! Be open to your memorial garden being a living piece of art that will change over time. The most important thing is that the garden reflects your personal taste and provides a place of peace and solace.
We hope you've been able to take some great DIY memorial ideas for your garden. When all is said and done, no matter what you decide to create, this is a space with a purpose of remembrance. A space of peace, solitude, reflection, tranquillity. A place you can enter at any time to connect with those lost, celebrate their life and reconnect. We know it's going to be beautiful - enjoy the process.
Sending our deepest sympathies,
Comments