Plants for a Loss of Pet

Pets are here on earth for a short time, and their passing can be one of the most painful and difficult experiences a pet owner will face. Keeping a pet's memory alive is often a top priority to the grieving owner; it can also be a step toward healing. For friends who have suffered the death of a beloved pet, the gift of a living plant can be a beautiful condolence gift and a touching way to memorialize their lost companion. A pet owner might also like to plant a memory garden themselves. Choose plants that are symbolic of beauty, love and cherished memories.

  1. Forget-Me-Nots

    • A basket of beautiful forget-me-nots can brighten up a somber time. Symbolic of remembrance and memories, forget-me-nots send a message of faithful love and undying memories. For a very special and lasting gift of sympathy, gift a few dozen seed packets of forget-me-nots, along with soil, planting instructions and a beautiful personalized pot with the pet's name and dates. This can be planted several times a year, or every year.

    Rosemary for Remembrance

    • A fragrant plant, rosemary is a sacred reminder of love, remembrance and friendship. Rosemary, like all evergreens, represents resurrection. Small, pale-blue flowers usually appear twice a year, which is also a symbol of renewal. Rosemary can be shaped and trained in garlands, wreaths or topiaries for extra beauty. Planted in a pot with a copper stake and tag to display a pet's name and date, this is a living tribute that can be an enduring reminder of affection.

    English Ivy

    • A pot of beautiful English Ivy shaped in a meaningful wreath or topiary--such as a heart--is a thoughtful gift after the loss of a pet. English ivy is delicate and small-leafed. Because it clings, ivy represents fidelity, true love, faithfulness and undying affection. Gifted in a beautiful hand-painted terra cotta pot with a stencil or hand-lettering of the pet's name, this living tribute is bound to be warmly appreciated by a grateful, grieving friend.