Memory gardens help create memories, honor loved ones

     “Those coming to honor a lost loved one, we hope they enjoy the process of recalling memorable moments with that person,” shared Andrea Chapman with Above & Beyond, “and their garden is a happy memento of that memory.”

     Above & Beyond is partnering with the Monticello Public Library and Jones County ISU Extension and Outreach to provide a free memory garden event for the community.

     This event offers people of all ages the opportunity to honor a loved one and recall past memories, as well as to create new memories.

     “For those coming to create a new memory with a friend or family member, or individually, our hope is they have a fun and creative experience making their gardens,” continued Chapman.

     Jennifer Fischer, Extension director, said they wanted to be a part of a great community event like this. “We are committed to helping the community and being a support for the residents of Jones County.”

     The event will be held this Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon and the Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center at the fairgrounds.

     A memory garden is similar to that of a fairy garden.

     “It’s similar in size and style,” explained Chapman, “but with more meaning added to it.”

     It brings several recent holidays together: Grief Awareness Day, Aug. 30; Grandparents Day, Sept. 10; and Alzheimer’s Awareness Day, Sept. 21.

     Chapman said the idea for a memory garden event came from Above & Beyond owner Becky Cooper.

     “She’s extremely creative,” praised Chapman. “Fairy gardens have been popular lately and she brought the idea of doing something similar with the community, only using a variety of items that could be new or used.”

     Chapman said she approached MaDonna Kremer about the idea.

     “We brainstormed a way to provide the community with an event that would commemorate many holidays and awareness dates,” said Chapman.

     Fischer said memory gardens are physical items one can put their hands on “that helps you remember a time, a thought, a memory of someone no longer with us.

     “Grief can be channeled into something concrete,” added Fischer.

     The event is open to individuals and groups of up to four or five people. Groups will work to create a single memory garden together. Limited space is available. You can register by calling the Monticello library at 319-465-3354 to set up your time. When registering, be sure to include how many people are in your group.

     All supplies and materials will be provided. If you plan to make a memory garden and want to add a special memento from home, be sure to bring it along.

     “You can decorate your garden with items that you associate with memories,” offered MaDonna Kremer with the Monticello library about this community partnership event. Kremer described the memory garden event as “intergenerational” and “appealing to all ages and gardeners.”

     “We hope that each memory garden that leaves the building was made with a purpose or a memory in mind,” encouraged Chapman. “We hope people will continue to add to their memory gardens or enjoy them for months to come.”

     Kremer added, “We want participants to take home their gardens and nurture the garden and the memory associated with their garden.”

     The idea is for each memory garden to be unique and special in its own rite.

     “You do not need to be an artist to create a garden,” said Chapman. “Have fun with it.” Samples will be available to get the mind going.

     “Above & Beyond is continuously looking for new ideas to bring the community together,” said Chapman. “Partnering with other community organizations such as the library and Extension office is a huge bonus to help create the best possible community events. We have an outstanding community and they deserve unique and fun opportunities whenever we can provide it.”

     “It’s important to provide our community with fun, collaborative, and interesting programs,” echoed Kremer, “that allow people to work together to celebrate and create memories.”

     Fischer said, “It’s important for people to understand grief doesn’t have a timeline, and when we can provide community support for people touched by grief. We become stronger together.”

     Those wishing to volunteer for the morning are asked to contact Chapman at 319-465-3059.