How to Create a Memorial Garden at Home

Choose the location of the memorial, and the size of the area to use. The area should have some privacy and be large enough to accommodate the various items you plan to use.

Plan the memorial garden around a focal point such as a special tree or plant. If your loved one had a favorite flower or color, make a point of including it in the plans.

Select plants that have meaning for you and the other mourners, and map out where each will be planted. Take account of the type of soil and the amount of sunlight and water needed for each plant to ensure that they are practical for the area.

Consider a theme for the garden. If the person being remembered was interested in Oriental culture, an Oriental-themed garden will honor him. If she was an animal lover, some statues of her favorite types of animals will be a good addition.

Draw the plans to scale, and involve everyone in the final decision on what to plant and what memorial to create. This will help them to accept the passing and to feel that they are part of ensuring that the person is remembered.

Include a water feature. This adds the dimension of sound to the memorial, breaking the silence and filling the space with nature.

Add music to the garden. Wind chimes are a natural way of hearing the sounds of nature, and if you place them in a sheltered spot, they will not become too loud.

Create a space in the garden for keepsakes and mementos such as photographs, ornaments and possessions that have meaning and will keep the memory of the person alive. Place these in a spot where they will be protected from the elements, or make a shelter or canopy over the area.

Get a bench or some garden seats so mourners may sit in the garden and reflect. This will make it into a spot for contemplation and remembrance.

Set aside a day when all mourners can take part in the creation of the garden. This will lighten the workload and keep everybody involved. Plant the flowers you have chosen, and fertilize and water them.

Hold a memorial ceremony to christen the garden officially, and invite all mourners to attend. This is an opportunity for everyone to give voice to their feelings of loss, and to comfort one another in the space that you have provided for them to do so.