Looking for funeral poems about gardens? Or a short verse that reminds you of a loved one who was a keen gardener? We’ve put together a few suggestions below that might make a suitable reading for a funeral, or a way for you to reflect and remember.
Funeral poems for a gardener
The Gardener by Patricia Hooper
Taken from Patricia Hooper’s collection of poems, Aristotle’s Garden, this poem narrates the gardener’s journey through their garden. It talks about how, unlike the seasonal flowers that spring back, the gardener will not return. Instead, the gardener “could not come again to the world”.
"Since the phlox are dying
and the daisies with their bright bodies
have shattered in the wind,
I go out among these last dancers,
cutting to the ground the withered asters,
the spent stalks of the lilies, the black rose…"
You can read the whole poem here.
The Gentle Gardener by Edgar Albert Guest
Guest was known in the US as a witty and optimistic poet, and “The Gentle Gardener” is no different. With plenty of floral and gardening imagery, it’s an uplifting take on leaving behind small traces of beauty before you pass away.
"I’d like to leave but daffodils
to mark my little way,
To leave but tulips red and white
behind me as I stray;
I’d like to pass away from earth
and feel I’d left behind
But roses and forget-me-nots
for all who come to find."
Meet You At The Gate by Barbara Bailey
This poem could be used at a religious funeral service as it reflects on “God’s plan”. More specifically, it talks about a woman who’s passed away. The narrator reflects on the way she nurtured her garden, “even some that were weeds” so it’s an excellent choice of funeral poem for a gardener. But it could also be read out for a mother or caregiver who cherished their relationships with family and friends.
"Her flowers still bloom, and the sun it still shines,
But the rain is like tear drops for the ones left behind,
The weeds lay waiting to take the garden’s beauty away,
But the beautiful memories of its keeper are in our hearts to stay."
Funeral poems about gardens
Weeds And Peonies by Donald Hall
This poem is written in the voice of a husband who has lost his wife. She loved peonies but now as the narrator walks through their garden the weeds are starting to show. Nonetheless the garden brings back memories of her. It’s a peaceful tribute to a wife who cherished her garden.
"Your peonies burst out, white as snow squalls,
with red flecks at their shaggy centers
in your border of prodigies by the porch.
I carry one magnanimous blossom indoors
and float it in a glass bowl, as you used to do."
God’s Garden by Anonymous
This poem is an uplifting tribute and good choice for a traditional funeral service, whether the person who passed away was a garden lover or not. The poem describes God’s way of knowing when someone is tired and will be at peace with God in his garden.
"God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best."
You can read the whole poem here.
Or listen to this reading of God’s Garden by clicking on the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzbySWr48kg
A funeral poem for a garden lover
Evening by Hilda Doolittle (H.D.)
As part of the Imagist movement Doolittle’s poem doesn’t follow any sort of traditional rhythm or form. But it does give you a sense of a moment in the garden, as the evening turns to night and the flowers retreat. This poem is not necessarily about death or losing a loved one but could be a fitting way to say goodbye to a loved one who spent their time tending to their garden.
"The light passes
from ridge to ridge,
from flower to flower
the hepaticas, wide-spread
under the light
grow faint…"
More garden poems for funerals
Still looking for the right funeral poem for a garden lover? Read through our collection of nature poems for funerals. You might find something suitable for a loved one who enjoyed their garden or just loved to be outside.
Photo by Ignacio Correia on Unsplash.