A
memorial garden in Aberdeen was officially opened on Saturday, August 24 by
SNP Councillor for Aberdeen City, Christian Allard.
The
Forget Me Not Garden at Hazlehead Crematorium, Aberdeen has been created
particularly for people affected by pregnancy loss, but all are welcome to use
it as a place of remembrance and reflection. It has been funded by Aberdeen
City Council, Aberdeen Sands, and MISS (Miscarriage Support Scotland).
Fiona
Donald, Chair of Aberdeen Sands, said: "I hope the Forget Me Not Garden
will offer bereaved parents and other family members, a peaceful and welcoming
space where they can spend quiet time thinking of their much-loved babies. A
community memorial garden can be especially important for anyone bereaved who
is not able to visit a grave or other special place, particularly those who
have experienced a miscarriage or other type of earlier loss.
"Being in nature can be of great benefit to anyone who is grieving, and the design of the garden has been informed by the wishes of Aberdeen Sands volunteers and the local families we support. I am very grateful to Aberdeen City Council and all our partners in helping the garden to grow from an idea into the wonderful place it is for anyone who wishes to visit and spend time there."
Abi Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of MISS Miscarriage Support explains a little background about the garden concept: “About 3 years ago, I had an idea to create a private and relaxing garden where anyone affected by early pregnancy loss could visit, grieve and be at peace. At MISS, we spoke with Aberdeen City Council initially to see if there was a space available and this is where we came across a complete blank canvas with a tree, green grass and a wall!
"This was the beginning of our garden project, soon after we continued our relationship and working with other organisations including Aberdeen Sands and Gerbera Designs, where we have been working closely together to create a memorial garden with unique features for parents to visit and be amongst nature. We hope that with this garden you can feel supported within the wildlife, plants and safe private space.”
This tranquil garden was designed with a central memorial stone surrounded by benches featuring beautiful inscriptions created by MISS Support Coordinator Hope Cawood.
The gardem includes peaceful pathways and a "beehive post-box" where letters can be written and posted to loved ones on wildflower-seeded paper. The letters will be collected and mulched periodically to help the seeds germinate in the wildflower area of the garden. Additionally, a large tree within the garden will be illuminated for Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October).
The Forget Me Not Garden will provide a place of comfort and healing for individuals and families, surrounded by the enduring beauty of nature for many years to come.
Sands is here to support anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, for as long as they need this. Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.