Guide to Designing a Remembrance Garden

Summertime provides us with an opportunity to spend time outdoors. While grieving the death of your loved one, you may want to consider a gardening project. Working with the earth is a great way to connect with nature, expend energy in a positive way, and create something beautiful. A remembrance garden is a wonderful tribute for a deceased loved one. It’s an undertaking that can be done individually or by the whole family. The garden becomes a quiet relaxing retreat, a space for reflection and remembering.

· Determine your budget. This will determine the size and type of garden decors. It can be as small as one tree or as big as a baseball field.

· Choose plants that are suited for your area. If your area is shady, pick plants that are hardy in the shade. Your local gardening/landscape supplier will be helpful in selecting appropriate plants.

· Choose plants that have special meaning to your loved one or that have scents that evoke memories.

· A wooden bench or chair strategically placed provides the visitor a place for reflection and comfort.

· Purchase large river rocks that could be inscribed with your loved one’s name or hand make stepping stones that honor the deceased.

· If your garden is in a sunny location, consider an arbor covered with plants to provide some shade for the visitor.

· Water fountains help create a serene, relaxing and calming atmosphere. There are many to choose from and vary in shape, materials and sizes.

Visit your remembrance garden often and maintain it with pride.

Here is a link to one of our client's remembrance garden:
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2009/05/04/news/nh792617.txt