How To Create A Memorial Garden (2024)

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A memorial garden is a beautifully landscaped space that is used to remember and honor the life of a loved one who has passed away. Memorial gardens can be created in memory of a specific person, or they can be used as a general space to remember all those who have passed. These gardens are usually decorated with lovely stones, plaques and statues. If you're interested in creating a memorial garden, read on for more information about how to get started.

What is a memorial garden?

A memorial garden is a special type of garden that is built with the purpose of honoring the life of a loved one. Memorial gardens are highly customizable and can include many different types of decorations, memorabilia, plants, flowers, and other keepsakes.

Before you get started

There are a few steps to take before getting started with your memorial garden. Here are some questions to guide you when planning out your outdoor memorial garden. These questions can inspire ideas and help you visualize the end result, whether that's a memorial garden for mom, dad, or another family member.

• What type of memorial garden do you want to create?
• Who will be the main focus of the memorial garden?
• Will there be any specific decorations or objects in the garden?
• How large should the memorial garden be?
• What kind of plants or flowers should be included?
• Where will the memorial garden be located?
• Should you hire a professional landscaper?
• Will there be a seating area in the memorial garden?
• Do you want to include a water feature?
• How will you mark the border of the memorial garden?
• What kind of materials will you use for decorating your memorial garden?

Considering decorations

There are many ways to decorate a memorial garden, ranging from memorial garden benches, to memorial garden stones, plants, and other types of decorations. When choosing what goes in your memorial garden, it can help to consider what the person who passed away would've loved. Is the garden for a mom? A dad? A partner? This can change what your plans are for the garden and which decorations you feel are appropriate.

Memorial garden stones

There are many different ways to personalize memorial garden stones, making them a fitting tribute for any loved one. Some people choose to have their loved one's name and dates of birth and death engraved on the stone, while others might include a short phrase or quote that was meaningful to them. You can also choose from a variety of different designs and fonts to create a truly unique memorial garden stone. Memorial garden stones make an excellent addition to any memorial garden, and can be purchased from many online retailers or local gardening stores.

For inspiration, here are some examples of memorial garden stones, plaques and signs:

This stone is easily personalized and stands upright in the garden, standing as a tribute to a loved one. (Source)

A memorial plaque is an alternative to a stone that would sit directly on the ground. The plaque stands tall and is at a level that makes it easy for visitors to read while standing.(Source)

A memorial sign is another great choice for those who would like something that sticks out of the ground as opposed to laying flat on the ground.(Source)

Memorial garden statues

Statues are often used as memorials to remember and honor a loved one who has passed away.

There are many different types of memorial garden statues to choose from, and they can be a fitting tribute for any loved one. Some people find religious memorial garden statues such as angels, saints, or gods to offer a space of remembrance and protection. Others might prefer a more personal statue that represents their loved one in some way, such as an instrument, an animal, or another representation of something that shows their passion. Garden statues can be purchased from many online retailers or local gardening stores.

For inspiration, here are some examples of memorial garden statues:

This statue comes with an angel and an engraving, without being too large.(Source)

If you’ve lost a pet, an animal statue is a wonderful alternative to the typical angel statue.(Source)

A statue of The Virgin Mary is an excellent choice for a religious statue that fits well in a memorial garden.(Source)

Memorial garden flags

Another popular and inexpensive decoration is a memorial garden flag. These flags are usually made of weather-resistant fabric and can be placed in the ground with a flagpole. Many people choose memorial garden flags that feature religious symbols, patriotic emblems, or other designs that were meaningful to their loved one. Memorial garden flags can be purchased from many online retailers or local gardening stores. Additionally, memorial garden flags can be changed throughout the year to reflect different holidays or occasions.

For inspiration, here are some examples of memorial garden flags:

This is a great example of a simple memorial flag that you could include in a memorial garden.(Source)

Another option for those who would like to honor a loved one who served in the military is to purchase a patriotic memorial garden flag.(Source)

Memorial garden flowers

What's a garden without flowers? Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate any garden and have the added bonus of being relatively inexpensive and easy to find. There are many different types of flowers that can be planted in a memorial garden, and it's often helpful to choose flowers that were meaningful to the person who passed away. For example, if your mother loved roses, you may consider planting a rose bush in her memory. Alternatively, you could plant a variety of different flowers that represent the different aspects of your loved one's personality.

Some people choose to have artificial flowers in their memorial garden so that they don't have to worry about them wilting or dying. Artificial flowers can be purchased from many online retailers or local gardening stores.

Not sure what kind of flowers to plant? Here are some common memorial garden flower types and their meanings:

1. Roses represent love and appreciation.
2. Lilies represent innocence, purity, and new beginnings.
3. Daisies represent innocence, loyal love, and happy memories.
4. Tulips represent perfect love.
5. Irises represent faith, hope, and wisdom.

Of course, you can always go the route of simply planting what feels right for you or is visually pleasing. You also have the option of planting other plants that aren't flowers. Maybe your loved one enjoyed cactuses and succulents instead of flowers.

As you can see, there are many different ways to decorate a memorial garden. By adding personal touches and items that were meaningful to your loved one, you can create a space that is both beautiful and reflective of their life.

Additional memorial garden decoration ideas for moms, husbands, parents, and other family members

If you’re looking for ways to decorate the space for wives or moms, consider decorating it with her favorite flowers, colors, or scents she would’ve enjoyed.

If you’re looking for ways to decorate for husbands or fathers, consider decorating the space with wooden decorations, plants, or other flowers they would’ve appreciated.

If none of those feel right, there are many other ways to decorate a space including:

1. Use solar lights to create a softly glowing space. This can add a touch of magic to the garden and make it feel like a truly special place.
2. Add a wind chime to the garden. Windchimes provide soothing and peaceful sounds that can add a touch of serenity to any space.
3. Use solar lights to create a softly glowing space. This can add a touch of magic to the garden and make it feel like a truly special place.
4. Add a birdbath or birdfeeder in their honor. This is a great way to attract wildlife and add some visual interest to the space. It's an especially great addition in the garden of someone who enjoyed bird watching or animals.
5. Build a bench in their memory. This can provide a place to rest and reflect on happy memories.

No matter how you choose to decorate your memorial garden, it’s sure to be a beautiful and serene place that will be appreciated by any who come across it. Creating a memorial garden can help you gain a sense of connection or closure with the person who passed away and gives you a space to remember them whenever you feel inclined to.

If you’re looking for other ways to honor a loved one who has died, consider setting up a memorial website on Ever Loved. Memorial websites on Ever Loved are free and easy to use and offer you an online space to collect memories, donations, photos, and more from your friends, family, and community.

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