Gardens of Memory

04/09/2026

Benjamin Franklin said, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." Every April, we plan for one of them. We're making the case for tackling the other one, too.

If you have aging parents — or if you've been putting off your own planning — we wrote about something that doesn't get talked about enough: how to bring up end-of-life planning, what to do when they won't engage, and what happens to your family when there's no plan in place. It's not a comfortable read. But it might be the most important thing you do all year.

Free Personal Planning Organizer included.

Talking to aging parents about end-of-life planning is hard. Not talking about it is harder. Here's how to start.

03/10/2026

When a loved one dies, after the services are over, you're faced with what to do with all the stuff they collected over a lifetime. Where do you even begin? Here's a practical guide on what to keep and what to let go of.

Practical strategies for anyone facing the difficult task of deciding what to keep and what to let go of after a loved one dies.

02/19/2026

It's been a long, cold winter, and spring cleaning begins on March 1. Refresh your loved one's grave or mausoleum with beautiful artificial floral bouquets that we place for you. Now placing orders for spring, summer, and fall seasons. Download the order form here: https://www.gardensofmemorymarion.com/floral-placement-program/

02/16/2026

Have you felt like you've been hibernating all winter, and all of a sudden, it's the middle of February? We get it. It's been a long, snowy, and cold winter — but this week we're getting a little break with warmer temps and a sneak preview of spring.

Take advantage of it. Research shows that just 10 minutes of sunlight can boost your mood, increase your energy, and even help you sleep better at night. So step outside — take a short walk, breathe in some fresh air, and feel the sun on your face.

02/11/2026

Valentine's Day is this weekend, and if you aren't looking forward to it, you're not alone. Whether you're grieving, single, or just over it, we've written something just for you.

Mother’s Day can bring up many feelings for those who have lost a mom or maternal figure. There’s no “right way” to deal with this day—what matters is finding comfort in a way that feels right to you.

02/02/2026

Someone you know just lost a loved one. You start to type a message—then stop. "Is a text enough?" Here's what the experts say.

Someone you know just lost a loved one. You start to type a message—then stop. "Is a text enough?" Here's why experts say yes.

01/02/2026

Every January, we make promises to ourselves. Eat better. Exercise more. Spend less time on our phones.

But what if this year, you made a different kind of resolution—one that could bring your family closer and provide peace of mind for years to come?

Most people know they should talk about final wishes, but haven't. Why January is the perfect time, and how to start without being awkward.

01/01/2026

12/26/2025

The days in between Christmas and New Year's may hit harder than Christmas itself. When the crowd leaves, grief reclaims its space. Here's why that's not a setback—and what might help.

December 26 can hit harder than Christmas itself. When the crowd leaves, grief reclaims its space. Here's why that's not a setback—and what might help.

12/19/2025

The holidays feel different after losing someone you love. Here's your permission to do things differently—and ideas for creating new traditions that honor them.

Grief experts share why it's okay to change holiday traditions after loss—plus four types of new traditions to consider when you're ready.

12/11/2025

You want to give them something meaningful—but what do you give someone whose holiday will never feel quite the same? The right gift doesn't try to fix the grief. It simply says, "I see you. I remember them, too." Here are a few ideas.

Discover how to choose holiday gift ideas for someone who is grieving, bringing comfort and support during a challenging season.