Plants are often used to symbolize lasting life and strength. Flowers are universally accepted as a display of significance and celebration. Combining both in a beautiful memorial garden provides a joyous environment in which to honor your loved one’s life.
At Lighten, we believe that the planning process of a memorial can be an uplifting one – just as is the planning process behind planting a garden. Feel free to take the time to carefully choose the attributes you think your loved one would enjoy in their garden, consider recruiting the help of friends & family, and then choose a date when everyone can gather in the garden to celebrate a life.
Flowers and Plants for a Memorial Garden
There are some flowers and plants that have carried particular meanings throughout history. Here, we have listed a few of the more popular ones. You can also make a list of plants that were personally significant to your loved one. Did they have favorites in their own garden or was there a go-to bouquet for holidays and anniversaries? Pulling familiar sights and scents together is a wonderful way to truly personalize your loved one’s memorial garden.
Rose Bushes
From ancient Greece to Shakespeare to present day, roses are a tried-and-true symbol of lasting love. Different colored roses can also be used as representations of the unique traits of your loved one. For example, pink roses are often associated with gentleness and yellow roses have a connotation of peace and best wishes for the future.
Tulips
Tulips were considered a representation of paradise on earth when they were first bred by the Turkish people in the 13th century. In present day, we often consider tulips to be the sign of Spring. They beautifully represent the incoming of a new season and new life, which might make a perfect fit for your loved one’s memorial garden. And as an added consideration during your planning process, tulips are one of the easier, heartier bulbs to plant.
Iris
Another flower revered in ancient times is the iris. The Egyptians used the iris in art as a connection between heaven and earth. This deep purple flower also has a regality to it that might be just the touch you are looking for.
Magnolia, Cherry, or Crabapple Tree
The last suggestions on our list are blossoming trees. There is a lot of sentimentality in trees. They grow stronger and stronger every year, provide protection from sun and rain, and have an overall stoic nature. The bright, fragrant blossoms of a magnolia or fruit tree can serve as a delightful reminder of the joys you shared with your loved one.
Personalized Touches
Lighten is all about personalizing the memorial process. So, we encourage you to think as far out of the box as you would like when it comes to planning a memorial garden. After all, gardens are more than just plants.
Benches
How many people would your loved one want to be able to gather in their garden at once? Across from what plant or tree, do you think would be their choice for the placement of a bench? It’s little questions like these that make an ordinary concrete bench that you can pick up at the hardware store into a truly personalized touch.
Engraved Stones
What was your loved one’s favorite saying? What would they want visitors to their garden to hear? Before deciding on a phrase like, “In remembrance of…” ask friends and family to contribute ideas and quotes that would fit perfectly into the memorial garden.
It’s Never Too Late for a Memorial Garden
We at Lighten say that it is never too late to plan a memorial. (You can check out more on why it’s okay to delay a memorial service here). Whether you are weeks, a couple of seasons, or years removed from your loved one’s passing, we want you to feel free to get the spade into the ground at any time. Take your time to produce the environment that you know your loved one would enjoy spending time in. And then, plan a gathering of your friends & family to celebrate your wonderful memorial garden.
