Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden
Opening in Edmonton in 2024, the Garden merges memories with gardening and community to honour those affected by dementia. Individuals will be able to create their own Gardens with take-home kits. This initiative will turn personal memories into a living tribute that honours those we love.
Welcome to the Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden
The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories is pleased to announce the Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden, a place for memories to take root and a place to honour and remember those touched by dementia. Located in the heart of Edmonton and extending across our communities in home gardens and flowerpots, the Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden serves as a living tribute to loved ones touched by dementia. Here, memory and life meet, creating a space for reflection, conversation, and connection.
The Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden is more than just a collection of plants; it is a place of memory and a focal point for storytelling and community. Each forget-me-not planted represents a personal story, a celebration of life, and an ongoing connection to a community committed to support and understanding. This initiative reflects all our dedication to fostering a compassionate environment where the memories of the past help nurture hope for the future, making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and their families.
Where Memories Take Root
For individuals and families living with the effects of dementia, the Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden offers a living outlet for connection and a powerful way to keep their loved one's memory alive. Planting a flower or setting up a home garden becomes a meaningful act of remembrance and a physical place of love and memory that persists even as memories fade. For the public and the community, these gardens serve as tangible reminders of the personal and collective impact of dementia, fostering awareness and understanding within our communities.
The presence of Forget-Me-Not Memory Gardens spread awareness in our communities, challenging the stigma associated with dementia. They provide educational opportunities for visitors and passersby, who can scan QR codes to read personal stories, deepening their understanding of the disease and its effects on real people and their families. This not only humanizes the condition but also encourages early diagnosis and support seeking by those who might otherwise suffer in silence. Moreover, the gardens stimulate community involvement and cohesion as they are tended by volunteers, creating a network of support that extends beyond the immediate impacts of the disease.
In-Person Memory Garden in Edmonton
Nestled within the community of Parkallen at 11103-11029 65 Ave NW, the physical site of the Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden offers a communal space for reflection and connection. Each year in early June, we invite individuals and families to come together for a ceremonial planting, transforming the garden into a vibrant tapestry of life and memories. Participants are encouraged to register and share personal anecdotes and memories of their loved ones, which are then accessible via QR codes throughout the garden. This not only personalizes the experience but also creates a living archive of community heritage and personal history. Register to plant your tribute where memories bloom alongside flowers and we will connect with you!
At Home Garden Kit
Understanding that not everyone can visit the physical garden in Edmonton, we offer the Home Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden as a personal, intimate alternative. This mail-out package allows participants to create a space of remembrance right in their own yards or balconies. Included in the package are forget-me-not seeds, a personalized garden stake with a QR code, and instructions for creating and maintaining a small memorial garden. This option extends the reach of our initiative, ensuring that anyone, anywhere, can celebrate the memory of their loved ones in a personal and meaningful way. By registering for this option, you bring the spirit of the community garden into your personal space, fostering a private sanctuary of remembrance that also connects to the broader community of our shared experiences with dementia. Register to receive your kit and start this journey of memory and tribute at home.
Through both the in-person and home garden options, the Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden initiative stands as a testament to the lives it celebrates and the communities it brings together, making a lasting difference in the landscape of dementia awareness and support.
How You Can Get Involved
- Register to have a flower planted at the In-Person Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden
- Register to have an At-Home Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden kit sent to you or a loved one
- Volunteer your time and talents with us on the Forget-Me-Not Memory Garden Committee
- Sponsor. By becoming a sponsor, you will help to raise awareness for those affected by dementia and promote your brand.
- Share this initiative with friends and via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X
For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact giving@alzheimer.ab.ca.