Creating Memorial Gardens at Funeral Homes

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.