Fitting flowers to mark the passing of your pet
in your garden providing your vet has judged it non-hazardous. You must own, not rent the property. The pet needs to have lived there – in other words, you can’t bury other people’s pets on your property.
It’s not advisable to bury in boggy grounds or areas that tend to flood in winter – and always site away from water courses, ponds and streams.
It’s best to wrap your animal in something biodegradable, such as an old towel or cardboard, and try to allow at least three feet of depth above your pet to prevent it being dug up by animals.
Initially, you could put a slab on the site to protect it and allow a period for soil subsidence before planting your memorial rose or shrub. Or you may decide for a permanent slab that will host a beautiful pot or ornament.
Your choice of plant will, as usual, depend on the aspect. Is it shady or an open sunny position? It should be appropriate to the type of soil – clay, sandy, acidic, well-drained etc.
You could choose a shrub or small tree that flowers around the time of your pet’s birthday or anniversary or perhaps a beautiful Japanese maple you’ve always wanted.
Another source of inspiration is to research plants that include your treasured pet’s name.
I’ve found a lovely patio rose called ‘Coco,’ which has lots of salmon pink blooms with a golden yellow eye.
There’s also a really beautiful Michelia ‘Coco,’ which is a type of
We buried our dog in a place surrounded by beautiful flowers...