Planting in Someone’s Memory
There are many memorial planting ideas, which sometimes combine plants with a bench, marker, or other commemorative item. What works for one person may not work for another, as this is a deeply personal space. Consider what it will look like through the seasons and make it accessible, or even visible through a window. If you only have a small space, you might consider doing a container garden. This can be an indoor dish garden or a small tree outdoors with wonderful bulbs surrounding it. Perhaps the individual you are trying to honor was a conservationist, in which case a water garden or xeriscape space would be ideal. If you have precious memories of working in the veggie garden with that person, building a Victory Garden or kitchen garden would be a great way of memorializing. Such memorial planting ideas should reflect the lost person’s particular preferences and personality. For instance, if someone loved cats, don’t forget to include catmint.
Plants to Honor Loved Ones
The actual plants for a memorial garden should ideally mean something. If roses were their passion, choose several favorites, or if possible, transplant some from their garden. Many gardeners have an enthusiasm for a particular category of flora. Bulbs, edibles, native plants, perennials, or trees are all thoughts. If honoring a fallen soldier, plant flowers in red, white, and blue. A lovely combination of patriotic memorial garden plants is blue delphinium, red petunias, and white phlox. For color year-round, intermingle bulbs which come up at different times of the year. Plants for a memorial garden may also remind you of their favorite scent. Lilacs, roses, or lavender are often favorite options. The names of plants are also a sweet way to memorialize someone. Forget-me-nots with their bright blue flowers and ease of care say it all. Plants with patriotic names honor fallen soldiers. Try ‘Freedom’ Alstromeria, Peace lily, or ‘Patriot’ hosta. Religious reminders come from plants like Gentle Shepherd daylily, Rosary vine, or Guardian Angel hosta. Rosemary is for remembrance, yellow tulips for friendship, and red poppies represent eternal sleep. If the memorial is for a young person or child, plant white lilies for purity and white daisies to represent innocence. An oak means strength, which would be appropriate for the head of a family. There are many ways to go about planning a memorial garden. No matter how you do it, the process and the result should be a lasting space for reflection and healing.
