As the cold, bleak days of winter come to an end, and the sun shines a bit longer with each passing day, we look forward to the renewal of spring. Soon, we’ll be able to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the smell of fresh cut grass and the sound of chirping birds. This time of rebirth gives hope to Catholics in the promise of the Resurrection of Christ, while providing comfort to those grieving.
Spring also gives us an opportunity to transform grief. As spring shakes the frost of winter, so, too, can we heal ourselves with God’s gift of nature. Expressing our grief with a memorial garden can help us connect to ourselves, our loved one who has passed and to those around us.
Since 2018, the Diocese of Camden’s Office of Catholic Cemeteries has offered the Garden Permit Program, an annual initiative that invites families to create a garden within a bordered area in front of their loved one’s monument, giving it a more personal touch. The program is available for most raised headstones.
The Garden Permit Program features a border professionally installed by our employees. You can choose from two options: an upgraded landscape edging, or the standard black plastic landscape edging. Applications are currently being accepted; the deadline is March 15.
Charlie P., whose wife is buried in Resurrection Cemetery, Cape May Court House, shares, “I love the garden privilege. It gives me the opportunity to honor my wife. The flowers I plant have a memory of love and joy. They are all her favorites.”
Indeed, gardening has been proven to reduce stress by occupying our minds with growth and creation, giving us a renewed sense of calm. The planting, nurturing and prosperity of growth rewards us with a sense of achievement and a joy for living. We not only tend to a garden, but to the soul.
Planting our loved one’s favorite flowers calls them back into our hearts. A memorial garden – which can include not only flowers but sentimental tokens of the deceased – stands as an evolving reminder of a loved one’s time on earth. Bringing family and friends to add their own memories to the garden gives us the space to heal together.
Over the years, the number of families participating in the Garden Permit Program has continued to increase. Many have expressed their gratitude, and we have received less notifications about items missing from a loved one’s grave.
The program’s annual fee is based on which option a family chooses: the Garden Permit Prime that offers the upgraded landscape edging is $50. The standard Garden Permit Program is $35.
“Although inflation has affected most areas of our everyday living, we are delighted to share that the permit fee will not increase this year and has not increased since the program was introduced in 2018,” said Paul Martin, director of the Diocese’s Office of Catholic Cemeteries.
Renewal applications for 2024, along with all new applications, should be submitted by March 15. Unfortunately, due to spatial limitations, flat markers do not qualify for the program.
For more information, or to fill out the Garden Permit Program application, contact your local cemetery office, call 855-MyPrePlan (855-697-7375), or download the Garden Permit Program application at southjerseycatholiccemeteries.org.
The program begins on March 21 each year.
Debra A. Moore is assistant director for marketing and outreach for South Jersey Catholic Cemeteries.
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