A memorial garden provides more than a place of remembrance. It creates a living tribute that can be visited, cherished, and enjoyed for years to come.

It offers a peaceful place for family and friends to visit, reflect and reconnect. Whether you’re tending to the plants or sitting quietly, this gentle interaction with nature can be comforting during times of grief.

What is a memorial garden?

A memorial garden is a peaceful place of remembrance where ashes can be laid to rest and loved ones can be remembered. Our memorial gardens range from fully private gardens that can be tailored to your wishes, to thoughtfully designed shared memorial spaces. These options can accommodate one, two or more sets of ashes, with many suitable for several family members to be remembered together.

Set within the grounds of the crematorium, family and friends are welcome to visit the memorial garden of friends and family members at any time.

How to create a memorial garden

When you create a memorial garden, you can design it to your style, wishes and budget. Whether you want something simple and dignified or grand and shared, each garden has its own character. 

There are five simple steps to create a memorial garden:

1. Choose the size of the garden, by deciding if it’s for one person, two people or a family. For families, shared gardens can be purchased in advance. The size can also affect which shape you can choose, with circles and hearts being popular choices for private memorial gardens.
2. Select the location within the crematorium grounds. For example, you may prefer a quiet, peaceful area or a more sociable setting close to a path.
3. Choose the border colour which will surround the garden, made from elegant granite blocks and filled with your choice of chippings or stones.
4. Add a flower or ornamental tree for subtle colour and a natural focal point.
5. Add an optional memorial accompaniment, like a birdbath, sundial, granite marker or plaque.

Different types of memorial gardens

There’s also the option for a semi-private or communal memorial garden, thoughtfully designed with their own sense of character. They offer a more subtle approach to remembrance in a natural setting.

Alternative memorial garden ideas:

• Ribbon garden: A semi-private garden arranged in a row next to others, separated by granite blocks.
• Cartwheel garden: A variation of the ribbon garden, arranged in a circle with one central plant or feature.
• Rose avenue: A communal garden with roses planted in a single row, each representing a loved one.
• Rockery plot: A landscaped rockery plot with a personalised marker of choice.
• Communal plant or shrub garden: A shared garden planted with a variety of plants or shrubs, each representing a loved one.

Personal touches for a memorial garden

There are many options for personalising your memorial garden. Whether chosen for their practical use, symbolic meaning, or decorative appeal, they help make each garden feel truly individual.

Memorial accompaniments can be added to some memorial gardens, or in some cases purchased individually, allowing families to have a special tribute placed in certain areas of the grounds. These include larger items like benches, sundials, and bird baths, and smaller memorials, such as plaques and grave markers.

To explore our full range of memorial garden options, browse our memorials brochure. Alternatively, you can visit your local crematorium to view the gardens in person and choose the tribute that best reflects your loved one.

Planning for the future

If you and your family have discussed your funeral wishes and would like to stay together, you can pre-purchase a private family garden. It’s a shared resting place for peaceful visits and lasting remembrance, where loved ones can visit for years to come. 

For more information, enquire with your local CMG crematorium.

As memorial options can vary slightly between crematoria, please contact your local crematorium, where our team will be happy to provide further information and guidance.