memorial garden

Creating Memorial Gardens at Funeral Homes

Written by: Oaktree Memorials

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Time to read: 4 min

Learn how to design meaningful memorial gardens at your funeral home. Create healing outdoor spaces that offer peace, remembrance, and emotional connection.

As more families seek personalized, tranquil ways to honor their loved ones, funeral homes are increasingly integrating memorial gardens into their properties. These serene outdoor spaces offer more than visual beauty—they provide a setting for reflection, remembrance, and healing. A well-designed memorial garden can set your funeral home apart while serving as a lasting gift to the community.


Whether you’re expanding your offerings or reimagining unused outdoor space, this guide explores how to design and implement a memorial garden that aligns with your funeral home’s mission and your clients’ emotional needs.

Why Memorial Gardens Matter

A memorial garden isn’t just landscaping—it’s a spiritual space that offers:

  • A peaceful environment for quiet reflection

  • A setting for scattering ceremonies or small services

  • A place families can return to after the funeral to feel connected

  • A visual symbol of life’s continuation amid loss

For funeral homes, it also communicates care, creativity, and a deeper commitment to community wellness and healing.

Key Elements of a Memorial Garden

While no two gardens are the same, here are some features often included:

1. Pathways and Benches

Curved gravel or stone pathways encourage visitors to walk slowly and reflect. Benches placed at intervals allow quiet pauses and support accessibility for elderly visitors.

2. Plants and Flowers

Choose a mix of native perennials and seasonal flowers for easy upkeep. Consider plants with symbolic meanings—like rosemary for remembrance, lavender for peace, and evergreens for eternal life.


Funeral homes in colder climates might incorporate hardy shrubs, while those in warmer areas may lean into flowering trees like dogwood or jacaranda.

3. Water Features

A small fountain or reflective pond adds a soothing element. The sound of running water has been shown to reduce stress and enhance the meditative quality of garden spaces.

4. Memorial Plaques or Stones

Offer families the option to place engraved stones or plaques along pathways, on benches, or in planted areas. These can include names, dates, or personalized messages.


Products like engraved garden stones from Oaktree make for meaningful additions that can be customized per client.

5. Sculpture or Spiritual Symbols

Incorporate non-denominational artwork such as doves, trees, or abstract pieces to foster inclusivity. Alternatively, offer distinct sections or alcoves for different faith traditions.

6. Lighting

Discreet, solar-powered lighting makes the garden usable at dusk or dawn. It also enhances safety and adds gentle beauty in the evening hours.

Steps to Create a Memorial Garden

Step 1: Assess Your Space

Start with a walkthrough of your existing outdoor areas. Consider:

  • Size and shape

  • Sunlight and drainage

  • Accessibility from chapel or parking areas

  • Existing trees or landscaping features

Even a small corner can be transformed into a meaningful garden with intentional design.

Step 2: Define the Garden’s Purpose

Will it be a general reflection garden open to all, or a dedicated space for cremation scattering? Do you want to host services in the garden, or keep it private and meditative?


Clarity in purpose will guide layout and investment. Many funeral homes also offer memorial services on anniversaries or special dates within the garden space.

Step 3: Engage Landscape Experts

Hire a landscape designer with experience in therapeutic or sacred spaces. They’ll help you:

  • Choose appropriate plants

  • Plan irrigation and drainage

  • Design for accessibility

  • Ensure the garden flows naturally with your building’s architecture

Some designers specialize in healing or sensory gardens and can incorporate elements for families with children or neurodivergent visitors.

Step 4: Involve the Community

Before breaking ground, consider hosting an open house or community survey. Ask families what they would value most in a memorial space. This can help with:

  • Donor engagement

  • Gathering stories for fundraising or dedication plaques

  • Building a sense of collective ownership and reverence

Consider naming sections of the garden after beloved community figures or founding families.

Step 5: Offer Personalization Options

Once the garden is built, incorporate it into your service offerings. Ideas include:


  • Engraved stepping stones or tree dedications

  • Seasonal remembrance events like candlelight vigils

  • Cremation urn burials or ash scattering ceremonies

  • Guided grief walks led by therapists or clergy


Create a memorial garden brochure or page on your website where families can view options and pricing. Oaktree Memorials offers custom urns and stones that can be integrated directly into these spaces.

Benefits to Your Funeral Home

Memorial gardens are not just therapeutic for families—they’re also a strategic business enhancement:

  • Brand Differentiation: Set your funeral home apart as a space of beauty and healing, not just solemn tradition.

  • Extended Engagement: Families return for visits, anniversary events, and to show younger generations a place of remembrance.

  • Additional Revenue: Offer engraved items, ash scattering ceremonies, and niche urn displays as add-ons.

  • Community Perception: Establish yourself as a long-term, emotionally invested community hub.

For homes with limited indoor space, outdoor gardens can also serve as overflow locations for services, receptions, or grief workshops.

Tips for Maintenance and Longevity

  • Assign garden upkeep to a dedicated team or partner with a local horticulture group.

  • Choose drought-resistant plants where possible to reduce water costs.

  • Create a donation or plaque program to support long-term maintenance.

  • Keep signage tasteful and consistent to maintain a sacred atmosphere.

  • Use QR codes on signs to link to tribute pages or memorial service recordings.

Inspiring Examples

Many funeral homes around the country have embraced this concept:

  • A Colorado funeral home added a rose garden with a central engraved fountain and now hosts monthly remembrance events.

  • In Oregon, one firm offers ash scattering among the redwoods, with each family receiving a GPS pin of their loved one’s tree.

  • A New York home created a butterfly garden for families who experienced pregnancy loss, including engraved tiles with baby names.

Final Thoughts

Creating a memorial garden at your funeral home is more than a landscaping project—it’s an emotional investment in the community, a sacred healing space, and a deeply personal way to help families remember. With thoughtful design, personalization, and care, your memorial garden can offer beauty, comfort, and connection for years to come.


For customizable urns, garden plaques, and ideas to support your vision, visit Oaktree Memorials. We’re honored to help you create spaces where memories bloom and love lives on.

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FAQs

What are the shipping options for my memorial?

Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.

How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?

Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.

What do I do if I never received my order?

If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.

What do I do if I received a defective order?

If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.

Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?

Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.

How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?

If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.

How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?

Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.

How do I choose the right urn size?

Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.

Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?

Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.

Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?

Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.

How do I transfer ashes into my urn?

Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.

How do I order an engraved urn?

To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.

Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?

Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.

Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?

Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.

What materials are Oaktree urns made from?

Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.

Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?

Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.

Can I pre-order an urn for future use?

Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.

Do you offer pet urns?

Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.

How do I clean and maintain my urn?

Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.

Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?

Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.

How do I track my order?

Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.

How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?

We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.

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