Creating a living memorial through planting is a poignant way to commemorate a loved one’s life, providing a space for reflection and solace that grows over time. In Auckland, the unique climatic conditions allow for a variety of plants to flourish, even in the cooler months of June. This article, presented by Rowley Funerals, guides you through selecting plants that not only thrive in Auckland’s winter but also serve as beautiful tributes to your loved ones.
The Significance of Memorial Gardens
A memorial garden offers a serene spot for families and friends to remember and celebrate the life of someone they have lost. The act of planting, nurturing, and watching something grow is therapeutic, symbolising life’s continuous cycle and the enduring nature of memory. Choosing plants that bloom in June, the month you wish to remember your loved one, ensures that the garden will serve as a special place of remembrance year after year.
Plants in Season in June in Auckland
1. Camellias
Camellias are amongst the most popular and resilient flowering shrubs for cooler climates, and Auckland is no exception. With their glossy green leaves and exquisite blooms that range from white to pink and red, they symbolise love, affection, and admiration. Camellias are particularly fitting for a memorial garden, offering a lasting tribute with their long blooming season.
2. Hellebores (Winter Roses)
Hellebores, often known as Winter Roses, are another excellent choice for a June memorial garden. These hardy perennials bloom in the cooler months, bringing life and colour to the garden when most other plants are dormant. Their downward-facing flowers, in shades of white, pink, purple, and green, symbolise tranquillity and peace, echoing the reflective nature of a memorial garden.
3. Daphne
Daphne is a winter-flowering shrub known for its intensely fragrant blooms that fill the air with a sweet perfume. The plant’s small, pink, and white flowers are a reminder of life’s fleeting beauty, making it a meaningful addition to any memorial garden. Daphne thrives in the Auckland climate, preferring a cool, sheltered spot.
4. Pansies and Violas
For ground cover or borders, pansies and violas are ideal. These annuals can easily be planted in June and will provide a splash of colour with their cheerful faces throughout the winter months. Both flowers are associated with loving thoughts and remembrance, fitting sentiments for a garden dedicated to memory.
5. Kowhai
The native Kowhai tree, with its magnificent yellow blooms, is a symbol of Auckland and a beautiful choice for a memorial garden. While it flowers in the spring, planting a Kowhai in June gives it time to establish itself. The tree is a symbol of growth, renewal, and the beauty of life, reflecting the cycle of life and death in nature.
Creating the Memorial Garden
When creating a memorial garden, consider the overall design and how each plant contributes to the space’s feeling and purpose. You might choose plants for their symbolic meanings, colours, or simply because they were favourites of your loved one. Incorporate elements such as benches, stones, or personalised plaques to further personalise the space, making it a comforting place to visit and remember.
Conclusion
A memorial garden is a living tribute that grows and changes with time, much like our memories of those we’ve lost. By choosing plants that are in season in June in Auckland, you create a space that not only honours your loved one but also provides a sanctuary for those left behind to reflect, mourn, and celebrate life. Rowley Funerals believes in the healing power of nature and the comforting presence of a beautifully tended garden dedicated to memory. Through these blooms of remembrance, we find a lasting connection to our loved ones, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire and touch lives.