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How to Use Engraved Stones in a
Backyard Memorial Garden
By Liz Hekimian-Williams
Although nothing can completely ease the pain of the
loss of a loved one or pet, creating your own garden
memorial with personalized engraved stones can help a
bit as you create a haven at home where you can honor
their life and memories. Stones with your personalized
engraving are often used as focal points in remembrance
memorial gardens at home but there are different aspects
to consider when planning a backyard memorial garden and
before you order the engraved stones.
First, decide if you will only feature one larger rock
or if you prefer to have several engraved stones. How
can you decide? The following questions can help you to
narrow it down. Will it be a memorial honoring one
single person or pet, or, several? Do you want to make a
garden around one focal point and area, or, do you want
to line a pathway with multiple stones and plants along
the way? Do you think you'd enjoy having one stone
featuring the name and multiple aspects of the
individual or pet, or, might you prefer having several
stones featuring different words or phrases all
remembering one person, dog, or cat? Clearly, there are
a variety of alternatives when deciding on engraved
stones and memorials for your garden, but don't get
bogged down with this, as none of these is the "right"
answer, it's just a matter of personal preference. Any
one of these ideas can provide a beautiful memorial
remembrance in your garden.
How much is in your budget for this memorial garden with
engraved stones project? This is another factor you will
need to consider in your planning. Although larger
stones cost more, you can typically include more
engraved words (even poems) on a larger engraved stone
than on a smaller one. On the other hand, several small
stones may fit the sentiments as well, just spread out
over several separate stones, and perhaps at a similar
or lower overall cost.
Other issues to think about when planning your memorial
garden include whether or not to include other accents
or decor, as well as plant and flower choices. For
example, will you want to include additional features
such as a sitting bench, a gazing ball, or personalized
wind chimes in your memorial garden? Other decisions
involve choosing the plants and flowers for your
memorial garden. Find varieties that will be easy to
maintain. However, also consider plants or flowers that
particularly pleased your loved one or that are your own
personal favorites.
Finally, some may want to try to choose the stone type
or coloring of the stones. However, if you are selecting
natural stones, you will probably find this is not
usually feasible. This is because natural stones come in
various colors, shapes, and sizes, and every one is
unique. Natural river stones, for example, come in their
own special colors and with natural imperfections and
"flaws" crafted by nature. So, it appears, the color and
shape of the stone may best be left up to nature and
destiny. Ultimately, as long as the engraving and
sentiment says just what you want, your engraved stones
and memorial garden will be just right and ready to
touch the hearts of family and friends for years to
come. |
