Some really beautiful small specimen trees are: flowering dogwood (pink or white), Japanese maple or Japanese flowering cherry.
If you wish to just plant one solitary memorial tree, visit this page for some project ideas and interesting tree-planting options: PLANT A MEMORIAL TREE

Your might even consider installing a small pond in your garden as well. Home improvement centers sell pond liner kits complete with instructions. If you include a small fountain or waterfall, the sound of running water can be very soothing. Solar pumps are available which allows you to place the pond away from the house.
Pick up a book or two on ponds before taking on a project like this, it's pretty ambitious. But if you are fairly handy with home/garden projects, a pond can provide a fascinating and rewarding new hobby for you.

Another idea for a focal point would be a statue or concrete figurine. One favorite for a memorial garden is a cast concrete angel or cherub. To find your special statue, look in the yellow pages for "concrete products" or "statuary". Home improvement centers also sell them.
 | Read about one family's brave struggles and the Christmas Box Angel of Hope statue here: Sheri's Legacy |
Once you have the focal point or "centerpiece" of your memorial garden, plan for some small shrubs and flower beds. Select plants you know your lost one loved, such as roses, lilacs or jasmine. Use evergreen azaleas or rhododendrons to provide backdrop and round out the display.
For the flowerbeds, consider "bleeding heart", "forget-me-nots", tulip bulbs, violets or violas, daffodils, lilies of the valley or even sunflowers. You also might consider planting a wildflower plot or an elegant butterfly garden to honor your lost loved one. (See wildflower and butterfly garden kits offered below).

For a walkway, you might lay down mulch, bagged stones or gravel, or even construct a plank walkway out of pressure-treated wood. Personalized stepping stones can also add just the right touch (offered below).
Part of the therapy of this project is the planning and creation of it. Immerse yourself in this worthy new project! Your memorial might not end up on the cover of Home & Garden magazine, but it's yours!
Your loved one would be honored by your tribute to him or her. And you will end up with a special place for quiet reflection or prayer... a lovely spot to remember your lost angel.
Memorial garden accents you may want to consider; we offer some items below:
- Wind chimes, windspinners
- Garden benches
- Engraved memorial rocks
- Birdhouse or birdbath
- Bird feeder, hummingbird feeder
- Fountains
- Eternal flames
- Hammocks
- Sundials