Memorial GardeN
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Garden
Why was the Memorial Garden created? In August 1988, the 20 energetic women who comprised the Women of St. Andrew’s resolved to transform the neglected landscape between the parish house and the church into a garden. The resulting Memorial Garden was designed by former parishioner Bunny Van Valey as a “Mary Garden,” planted with flowers exclusively white and blue, the colors associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. For a history of the Memorial Garden, please see here. (link to online history page)
What are the plantings, and who chose them? Over time the design has evolved; please see here for the original design. Replacement plants are faithful to the blue and white scheme. The garden features a variety of flowering bulbs, annuals and perennials, groundcovers and shrubs, and a number of specimen trees.
Who takes care of it? The garden is tended by members of the Memorial Garden Ministry team, and other volunteers willing to help plant, weed, and water.
May anyone plant flowers in the garden by themselves? A request for a planting must be made to the head of the Memorial Garden Ministry team. Offerings of memorial bouquets or potted plants left in the garden will be moved after three days.
About the Pavers
Are the engraved pavers in the garden only for members of St. Andrew’s? Anyone may be remembered by a paver in the garden.
Are the pavers only for people who have died? Some people arrange to have a paver prepared for a loved one or for themselves while they are still living.
Do the pavers have cremains underneath? The pavers are not markers of interment. Cremains are interred in the garden itself.
What is the cost of sponsoring a paver? A price sheet is available through the church office.
What can be engraved on a paver? Typically, a name and, occasionally, the year of birth to year of death, if applicable, are engraved.
How can I find out about putting a name on a paver? Contact the church office for information on sponsoring a paver.
Interment of Cremains
What is the interring process? Is there a ceremony? Yes. The ceremony of burial is an ancient and beautiful part of the worship of the church. Whether people seek a full funeral or interment only, the service is prepared collaboratively between our Pastor and family members.
Can the ashes be held in a container that is interred? No. Our practice at St. Andrew's is to bury the ashes directly into the soil within the garden. This usually takes place after the burial service.
How can I learn more about having my or someone else’s ashes interred in the garden? Contact the church office.
Volunteering Opportunities
How can I help take care of the garden? Help with the garden is gratefully received! Monetary donations assist in paying for supplies and new plants, required every year. Hands-on time spent tending the garden with Memorial Garden Ministry team members is very welcome to maintain and improve the plantings.
Whom do I contact to make a gift or participate in caring for the garden? The church office can provide information on donating to the Memorial Garden fund or helping in the garden.
Visiting the Garden
When may I visit? Anytime! You may come to the garden for quiet time on your own, or with a small group. All are welcome to stop in and enjoy the garden. From time to time, the garden is occupied with outdoor church services, weddings, memorial services, and church-related celebrations.
