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Gardening Through Grief

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Remember Your Loved Ones With a Memorial Garden

The loss of a loved one can be devastating. Believe it or not gardening can go a long way to help ease the pain.

I am not a professional doctor and I won't claim that my advice will work for everyone. This is just something that I have found helpful when I have lost special people.

Plant a Memorial Garden

When I have lost people that I love, I like to plant something in their honor. The act of caring for and nurturing a plant helps to take my mind off of my grief while also giving me a chance to think about that person's life and the impact it had on me.

What to Plant in Your Memorial Garden

The best plant to choose for a memorial in your garden is something that reminds you of the person whom you wish to honor. You might choose that person's favorite flower or tree but vegetables can also be used for this purpose. If Grandma was best known for her tomato sauce dishes, you might think of planting some plum tomatoes in her honor. If Grandpa was famous for his barbequed Shish-Ka-Bobs, some nice bell peppers might just be the thing. If Aunt Bella loved your spinach dip recipe, then planting a row of spinach in her memory would be a great choice. It isn't necessary to plant anything huge. Just a simple container with one plant in it will do.

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Why Memorial Gardening Helps

You'll be surprised how much you think about the person being memorialized while you are caring for your plant. At first you might be saddened, but eventually you will find yourself remembering all the good times you shared together. Taking care of your memorial plant will become an extension of your love for that special person and when it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you will again feel a closeness to them while you prepare their favorite meal.

The quiet solitude you enjoy while gardening will help to relieve the pain in your soul while the life cycle of the growing season will reassure you that all good things must come to an end.

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Another Way to Ease Your Greif

Preparing recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation is a time-honored tradition for remembering past loved ones. Growing some of the ingredients for those recipes will help to make the experience all the more special.

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Books on the Subject of Grief

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever planted something as a memorial to a lost loved one?

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Lisa David Feb 28, 2012 @ 2:29 pm | delete

I have a small patio where I live. I managed to grow sunflowers this winter in honor of my Sun Kenny. Kenny used to draw calla lilies as a young child and they are growing in a planter on the street. These reminders always bring a smile to my face.
I am now considering helping others create memorial gardens to blend my grief experience with my passion for growing food, teas, medicines, and flowers. Thank you for having this blog for me and others who have lost loved ones.

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Clairwil Jul 19, 2009 @ 9:43 am | delete

Gardening is very calming in a range of situations. Planting a memorial to a lost loved one
is a great idea. Excellent, thoughful lens *****

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Pantherart Sep 11, 2008 @ 7:35 am | delete

Everyone should plant something for a close relative that they have lost I think it makes you feel better. This is a great lens and I gave you 5 stars