A Week of Remembrance

Memorial Day is approaching, and while it does mark the unofficial launch of the summer season, the weekend is also designated as a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed. Their resting places are often significant commemoration sites for the ones left behind as a symbol for their presence in the world and many family members feel peaceful contentment by their visits.

This week is the perfect time to create a remembrance garden for loved ones and many will find personal contentment not only by its presence as a lovely accent, but also in the planning and crafting of the container.

The process is somewhat similar to a container garden for the home, but there are some features to keep in mind when preparing a remembrance garden.

The Container:

Any size or shape container is suitable, but keep in mind the final space and keep it simple and tasteful. There are many options for containers from ceramic glazed, to simple terra cotta or even traditional wood cemetery logs.

Plants

While any plant can be deemed appropriate, the finished product will bestow a great fulfillment by using favored plants for the person for which it is intended. Keep in mind, however, how often it will receive watering, pruning, fertilizer and attention. For hardy plants that will provide a splash of color, consider geraniums, zinnias, or marigolds.

Geraniums come in a range of colors including pink, white, salmon, coral, and even lavender. It also does well with sporadic watering, which means it is likely to survive well throughout the summer, even if it only gets natural rainfall.

Zinnias are also a great choice because of their beautiful pom-styled flowers that are available in almost every shade (except blue). They can also grow to a medium height which makes them a great partner with other ground cover plants.

Marigolds come in reds, oranges, and yellows, and are very forgiving flowers. They can handle extreme heat and water equally well.

When putting together a cemetery basket keep the height of the flowers in mind, being sure to take advantage of varying heights for a rich tapestry of texture. Think through the color scheme so the shades work in unison. Also, think about the favored colors of the recipient, or perhaps choose patriotic colors for military personnel.

Ultimately, whatever choices are made when creating this remembrance, it will be enjoyed by many loved ones and will deliver a sense of tranquility and serenity for all visitors, especially the designer.

Information for this article was contributed by . On Facebook.com/ShopWilsonFarm or Twitter: @WilsonFarm.