It was an evening of remembrance, reflection and honouring those we have lost. Altona’s annual Memory Garden service took place Monday night along 10th Avenue Northeast, across the street from The Gardens on Tenth. Families gathered to plant a shrub, tree or plant in memory of their lost loved one, some only recently gone and others passed a while ago.
"It's good to have a service like this, and for people to be able to plant these shrubs, flowers and trees," said volunteer Elaine Friesen who spoke to the crowd on behalf of Altona and District Palliative Care, and knows personally about the importance of the night. "We did this last year for our grandchildren, and it's very meaningful to people who do that. As someone who has done the planting, for me, when I walk past here and I see the tree we planted it just brings back a lot of beautiful memories, but also, you know, sad and painful ones. But it is a healing process that happens."
During her remarks, Friesen also noted and thanked Gwen Harman for maintaining the garden.
Memory Garden reaching capacity
Seventeen plants were added to the garden during the service which attracted a significant number of families this year.
"It tells me the Memory Garden has really grown in the past years," she said. "From 2007 there was just a few people here, and as I read, four trees and a few tulips (were planted then). This garden is really expanding, and it just tells me people are getting to know about palliative care, and the involvement in the end times of a loved one and they are willing to plant these bushes, trees and shrubs."
Friesen was pleasantly surprised by the turnout Monday night.
"That tells me palliative care is busy, and that it is important at the end of life for those loved ones who are passing away and for the family."
The Memory Garden is essentially at capacity and discussions are underway regarding what a further expansion may look like.
