Design process – Memorial Garden

The preliminary sketch of the proposed design is shown through a clipped beech hedge leading to the rose garden and on to the columbarium. The existing tegula block pathway has been extended to lead you into an enclosed circular space to provide parents with a private and peaceful place for personal contemplation.

The circular garden is created by a stone wall which is softened into the landscape by beech hedge frame. This compliments the existing beech hedges found nearby. A linear beech hedge guides you into the space which opens out to a circular water garden full of aquatic plants. If visitors would like to stop and spend sometime to reflect and appreciate the surroundings they will find plenty of seating sweeping round the garden boundary.

The enclosed space has been designed to be cosy, welcoming and not claustrophobic with a wall height that allows the viewer to look over and see the grounds beyond. If privacy, or shelter, is wanted this can be achieved by simply sitting down. Once seated visitors will feel completely sheltered from what can be a busy crematorium.

The water plantings will flourish on a shallow, submerged shelves around the pond edges. The centre of the pond can be in deeper water if parents would like water lilies. Water lilies will flower well with the open, south-facing aspect of the garden. Rocks have been placed amongst the plants for sculptural interest and to aid the movement of wildlife in and out of the water. Rocks can also be engraved, perhaps with a dedication. There are other areas where dedications can be presented. In the wall above the seating, either side of the stone pillar entrance or perhaps as part of the stone seat.

The simple, clean lines of this memorial garden compliment the contemporary design of the crematorium and the memorial garden beech hedge ‘coat’ anchors the whole design sympathetically into the wider environs.