I am so sorry for your loss.

You will work through your grief in your own way, in your own time. The physical and mental demands of creating this special garden will probably be good for you at this time as long as you don't overdo.

There are many plants that will thrive in areas that swing between boggy and dry ... check your local sources (extension service, native plant society) for plants suitable for a rain garden - these should be appropriate for your woodland garden.

What a sharp contrast this is to another recent thread, in which the OP has come to think of gardening as pointless and depressing!

I look forward to photos of your work in progress. It sounds like it has the potential to be a lovely, relaxing and restorative spot.

Very sorry for your loss. I agree that this experience will help you work through your sorrows in a positive way.

My immediate thought was to create a labyrinth garden. Wandering the circular paths inspires peace of mind and tranquility and are often used in hospitals and the like for a similar purpose to yours. I'm picturing one that is partially enclosed for privacy, adorned with cool, calming colors, some statues and a quiet place to sit. I don't know if you will like the idea or not, but I did a Google search to find you an example.

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I suggest making observations and some mental/physical notes of the site (regarding light, moisture, wind, etc.) and some photos to take in to a local nursery for some suggestions on appropriate plant material. Also take your time: look through some magazines, books and on the internet. Find pictures of styles, "looks", plants, etc that you like and take a few of your favorites with you to the nursery as well.

This will be a lovely thing to do in memory of your loved one. Again, do take your time as the process has the potential of contributing to your healing as much as the finished product.

I would love to see some pictures as you go along as well!

Take care.
Janelle

Thank you for your kind words and suggestions... I will look for info on rain garderns http://www.picturehosting.com/gallery.php?u=beacu&g=Memorial-Garden
These are pictures of my spot...
Thanks again

What a beautiful site with a lovely view as well. My inclination would be to try to keep a very natural feel to it. With careful planning (and with the winters you have in zone 3/4, I'll bet you've got plenty of time for planning!) you can do that and still have something blooming from earliest spring until late fall.

I hope these web sites may be helpful to you:

Prairie & Wetland Center - rain garden plants (with photos)
http://www.critsite.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.listdetail/listID/11/index.htm

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, listing of native plants suitable for rain gardens, by region:
http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/design/2004sp_raingardens.html

I came across this tonight while searching for edging plants and thought of you. It's a beautiful design that may give you some ideas.

I'm so sorry..........

Here is a link that might be useful: memory garden