Water creates a uniquely distinctive energy, adding movement and breathing life into any outside space. The ambiance created by gently bubbling fountains , and the vitality created by stronger sounding larger centrepiece fountains can also help to reduce noise pollution in urban and noisy neighbourhoods. There are many memorial planting ideas, which sometimes combine plants with a bench, marker, or other commemorative item. What works for one person may not work for another, as this is a deeply personal space. Consider what it will look like through the seasons and make it accessible, or even visible through a window. A chipped teapot that always had a ready supply of cuppas on the go, an old pair of wellies, shopping basket, or even a football, can make a unique garden planter or home for wildlife. Little personal items from your loved one’s daily life can be lovely reminders to incorporate in your memorial garden. Outdoor paints or finishes can add a special touch and increase their longevity, while adding drainage holes where possible will keep the plants healthy and happy. Feed the birds and butterflies Inspired by your loved one, a memorial garden can simply feature a simple, single tree planted in their favourite outside spot. Or, it can be a larger area containing their favourite flowers, personal mementos and lasting tributes such as an engraved plaque, seat, sundial or water feature. For some, adding a tasteful garden cremation memorial provides a tasteful alternative to a traditional grave marker. It allows relatives and friends to commemorate their loved one with an individual and discreet memorial. If honoring a fallen soldier, plant flowers in red, white, and blue. A lovely combination of patriotic memorial garden plants is blue delphinium, red petunias, and white phlox. For color year-round, intermingle bulbs which come up at different times of the year. Plants for a memorial garden may also remind you of their favorite scent. Lilacs, roses, or lavender are often favorite options.

Rosemary is traditionally the herb of remembrance and is a robust evergreen. It bursts into blue flowers in the spring, which complement those of the forget-me-not (pictured above). Forget-me-nots can be bought from many garden centres or sown as seeds between May and September to flower next spring. The sound of water can be calming and relaxing, helping to clear your mind of ‘noisy’ thoughts. Solar powered water features are available in many shapes and sizes, suitable for all sorts of memorial gardens. Fountain-like pumps are suitable for ponds, while ornamental bowls and pebble beds take up little space and don’t require a constant supply of water. Consider grasses or bamboo, spinners or windchimes in your remembrance garden as alternative ways to combine ornamental features with gentle sounds. Light a candle You should research the species of tree and think about how large the tree will grow, existing plant life around the tree, and when the tree will bloom. You may also want to plant a sapling instead of a seedling, as a more mature tree is more likely to take to the surroundings.You should also consider where you choose to plant the memorial tree – if you plant on private land and the owner of the land sells this to someone else, there’s no guarantee that the new owner will allow you to visit. A bird table or feeder is a practical ornamental feature, while plants will also draw hungry birds in search of insects to your remembrance garden. Personalise a garden memorial bench or chair with an engraving or plaque bearing your loved one’s name, or perhaps an engraved memorial stone or garden plaque with a special sentiment. A pebble bed or bowl is another lovely remembrance garden idea. Invite visitors to bring their own pebble in tribute, adding to your memorial garden. Centre piece Many people then decorate the surrounding memorial area with planted flowers, planters or plant pots, and even include the addition of a relatable stone statue or garden ornament. Memorial benches Otherwise known as sponsoring a tree, this helps to grow forests, conservation areas, and national parks. Many organisations allow you to choose the species of tree and will ensure you’re able to visit whenever you like. The cost to plant a tree varies depending on the size, location, and species of the tree.

A cornucopia of springtime bulbs, wildflowers, Forget-me-nots and Sweet Williams will breathe life and vibrancy into the garden, and return year after year. In the summertime, sometimes the best time to sit and quietly reflect in a remembrance garden is at the end of the day. Lighting a candle for a loved one can be a meaningful comfort and also bring colour when the sun goes down. Consider outdoor candle holders with coloured glass, solar powered lanterns, or strings of solar-powered lights woven through branches or amid trailing plants and trellis. In their name Whether you have a sheltered spot in a corner of the garden, or a sunny balcony, plants and garden ornaments can take on real meaning in memory of someone you loved.Watching and listening to the gentle flow of water encourages relaxation and promotes a calming effect. Which is why choosing a space near a stream or adding a pond or water feature to your memorial garden will create a tranquil, peaceful remembrance area. Water will also attract native wildlife, including birds and butterflies, which in turn will help to breathe life and beauty to the garden for years to come. If you have precious memories of working in the veggie garden with that person, building a Victory Garden or kitchen garden would be a great way of memorializing. Such memorial planting ideas should reflect the lost person’s particular preferences and personality. For instance, if someone loved cats, don’t forget to include catmint. Plants to Honor Loved Ones