When a loved one passes, sometimes we don't just want to remember them by a headstone or an urn. A garden memorial ceremony can be an inspired and uplifting way to gather those who loved the person who has passed away. You may also want to remind everyone that your loved one is never truly gone by offering garden memorial souvenirs and mementos. Here are a few ideas to help you design a garden memorial, as well as provide well-wishers with a token of thanks and remembrance. If you are looking for even more ideas check out our blog 25 Creative & Unique Memorial Service Ideas & Keepsakes
A Life and Personality Reflected
A wonderful aspect of a garden memorial for someone who has passed is how personalized you can make it. Where possible, you should incorporate elements that really represent the person they were, what they loved, and what you wish for them now. The point is to begin the healing process by celebrating the life of the person who has passed.
Memorial Rocks
Memorial rocks or plaques are an idea that is highly customizable in design. Apart from your loved one's name and dates, you may also wish to include one of their favorite poems or verses or even a lyric from a song they loved. We often see descriptions like "sister," "nephew," and "grandparent," but the memorial rock can provide you an excellent opportunity to go further. Think not only of what they did, but who they were. Why not mention that they were a "pioneer," "artist," "genius," or something else that touches upon their strengths and successes?
Flowers
Flowers come in such a wide range of colors, scents, and shapes that it is generally pretty easy to pick out species that were the favorites of your loved one or represent an important aspect of who they were. For example, if their favorite colors were blue and purple, you could plant an array of flowers in those colors, such as forget-me-nots, violets, lavender, globe thistles, or bluebells.
Sometimes, there is a message associated with particular flowers as well. What forget-me-nots represent is self-evident, but lavender is associated with serenity. It may fit well with a person who was spiritual and calm in life, or it could serve as a wish for the person to find peace and serenity where they are now. You could also choose varieties that reflect their name, where they were from, or the season in which they were born.
Pieces of Them
Another way to create a garden memorial unique to your loved one is to incorporate an object — or a recreation — that was important to them when they were alive. You may not want to put their cherished Fender guitar in a publicly accessible memorial, but finding — or commissioning — a little statue of a similar guitar can do the trick. Consider creating a memorial table which includes items from their favorite hobbies. The possibilities are endless, just be sure they reflect the personality of the person who has passed.
Keepsakes Celebrating Your Loved One
Many people keep programs from funerals of loved ones, but you can also leave garden memorial attendees with touching, personalized mementos. They don't have to be elaborate. For example, if they loved lavender and/or the memorial showcases lavender, you could hand out:- little "sprigs" of artificial lavender with a "thank you" ribbon or card;
- satchels containing potpourri that includes dried lavender;
- a miniature "memorial rock" that's a piece of tumbled lighter-colored amethyst with their name or short message painted or engraved on it;
- lavender-colored tea lights or miniature candles with special engraving;
- a trio of purple and lavender crayons for someone who was whimsical and artistic.
You are really only limited by imagination and budget. All it takes is putting some thought into what the person loved or represented. You would not only be keeping your loved one's memory alive, but you would also be saying a heartfelt "thank you" to the people who came to pay their respects.