There are nearly as many reasons for gardening as there are gardeners. Some just want to create a space for family, some aim to do some outdoor entertaining and others may wish to provide fresh produce. Most gardeners are motivated by a combination of reasons. But perhaps the most personal reason for creating a garden space is the memorial garden.

A memorial garden can be as simple as planting a tree, a long-lasting reminder of a person, a group or an event. Planting a tree seems simple, but there are many important decisions to make, such as variety, placement, soil prep, and irrigation.

Often a memorial garden will offer an environment for reflection and meditation. Seating is appreciated and placing a bench of some type is a thoughtful way to allow someone to linger comfortably. Placing a tree to shade the seating area from the afternoon sun is especially thoughtful.

When a garden is planted in remembrance of an individual, the gardener has the opportunity to make it personal.

A garden planted in memory of a spouse, for example, might include sweetheart roses or forget-me-nots. For a young person, one might want to include white flowers as a symbol of purity and innocence.

Gardeners might also wish to evoke a memory of a favorite color or scent. Choosing plants that bloom at different times of the year will help to make the garden’s impact endure throughout the year.

A garden planted as a memorial to a veteran or an armed forces holiday or battle lends itself to a palette of red, white and blue. Finding plants that flower in a true shade of blue can be problematic, but dark purple blossoms will work almost as well.

Gardens planted for religious reasons are often laid out in a way to provoke thought and commonly include evergreen plants and trees. Some will incorporate trees, flowers and herbs that are mentioned in religious texts.

• UC Certified Master Gardeners are available to answer your gardening questions from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 953-6112 or at mgsanjoaquin@ucdavis.edu. Questions for Heather can be submitted to ucmastergardener@gmail.com.