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All About Garden Memorial Stones

All About Garden Memorial Stones

When you lose someone you love, it’s natural to want to create tangible memorials for them. Humanity is united in rituals for burial and death, so it is a deeply human trait that leads to memorials that we can see, touch, or hold. Not only do they preserve memories of the one who passed, but they can mark places where you go to grieve, find comfort, and feel a little closer to the person you lost. While there is an almost endless list of memorial keepsakes that you choose from, the garden stone memorial is a classic for a reason. These timeless stone markers not only physically memorialize your departed loved one but create a place where you can go to honor their memories. 

What are Garden Memorial Stones?

garden memorial stone

Garden memorial stones are engraved stones that you can place in your yard or garden as a way to remember some you loved who has passed on. These stones are typically engraved with the dates of birth and death of your departed beloved. You can also choose to have a sentimental quote and an image or symbol of some kind. These make wonderful markers for a memory tree, where you scattered their ashes, or simply their favorite spot in the yard. Because of their enduring nature, garden memorial stones will be beautiful memorials to your departed loved one for many years to come. 

High-quality garden memory stones, like the ones from the Living Urn, are made from solid black granite, which is both beautiful and long-lasting, and also able to resist the wear and tear of the elements. A granite memory stone will remain pristine for generations. Granite essentially lasts forever, so a granite marker will look the same many years or even decades later. Granite also lends itself beautifully to engraving, with the natural contrast between the engraving and the polished marble making the engravings stand out without the use of inks or dyes. There is a natural elegance to granite that makes it the perfect material for a garden stone memorial. Also, since many people are choosing to forgo a traditional burial at a gravesite, a granite garden memorial stone makes an excellent substitution for a gravestone. And since you’ll be putting in your yard, garden or patio, you’ll have more access to it than you would a regular gravestone. 

How Large Are Garden Memorial Stones?

Garden memorial stones, in general, will vary in size, but for example, the Living Urn’s stone memorial is 8’’ long, 4’’ wide, and 2’’ thick. This means it is very durable and resistant to breakage, which is something to consider when it comes to other garden memorial stones. Many are quite thin, which will not only wear out faster than a thick-cut stone but also makes it vulnerable to breakage. 

Can I Customize Garden Memorial Stones?

Yes, garden memorial stones are entirely customizable. Most people engrave the name and dates of birth and death of the person who passed. Many manufacturers, like the Living Urn, also offer options for a sentimental saying and a symbol, such as a cross or a dove engraved as well. If you’re having trouble deciding what to have engraved, consider enlisting the help of a family member or friend who knew the deceased well. Often simply talking it over with someone can help you find clarity. 

How to Make Memory Stones

If you’d prefer to make your own memory stone, this could be very therapeutic and will give you a more personal connection with the memory stone. While homemade memorial “stones” aren’t going to last as long as granite, they can be quite durable. Durability also depends on the material used. Some resources online use plaster of Paris or mortar. Here is a brief overview of the process of using mortar to make a garden memorial stone. For more complete instructions, please click here

Step 1: Collect all of your materials and read the warning labels. You’ll need

  • Mortar
  • Mold
  • Water
  • Stone stamps
  • Other decorative elements, optional
  • Tool for smoothing, like a trowel or drywall scraper.
  • Stirring tool, or use your trowel. 
  • A bucket for mixing.

Step 2: Scoop mortar into a bucket, then add water. You want a thick, mud-like consistency.

Step 3: Put mortar mix into your mold and smooth its surface with a flat tool.

Step 4: Add lettering and any other decorative elements, quickly.

Step 5: Curing or drying is the final step. This will take at least a couple of days. 

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