Amongst the memorial stones and roses in the crematorium grounds is a hidden butterfly garden dedicated to the babies lost during pregnancy. The small garden is protected by a neatly cut hedge and is near to the main crematorium building.
There is a large wooden butterfly amongst the plants and a water feature. The plants are to attract butterflies and include Buddleja, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. The plaque which stands in the middle of the garden reads:
'This memorial garden is in memory of all the babies loved and lost.
We welcome you to the garden, which has been specially designed so you can spend time in peaceful contemplation and remembrance.
The grasses, plants and shrubs that grow here provide colour, texture and gentle sounds, and together with the water fountain they help to attract insects and birds to the garden.
Please respect the special nature of this garden, and help us to maintain it as a fitting memorial for all babies. We politely ask you not to leave individual tributes, such as flowers, plants, teddies etc.
Further information is available from the Bournemouth Crematorium Office, which is situated at the entrance to the Crematorium grounds. You can call into the office, or ring on 01202 526238 if you would like any further details, have any questions, or would like to provide feedback.'
The Bournemouth Borough Council website describes the opening of this special place:
visit link
'Opening of new baby memorial garden
Bereaved parents will soon be able to remember their loved ones at a special memorial garden in Bournemouth.
The ‘Butterfly Garden’ at Bournemouth Crematorium has been designed as a place for grieving parents to spend time in peaceful surroundings, allowing them to reflect on their experiences and come to terms with the death of their baby.
The garden itself features a central water fountain in the shape of a maple tree, with water flowing gently down the leaves into a pebble base. A large wooden butterfly sits to the left of the garden, reflecting the butterfly theme of the special service held at Bournemouth crematorium each month for those people whose babies died in early pregnancy.
Councillor David Smith, Cabinet member for Community Services commented, “The Butterfly memorial garden is open to anyone whose baby has died. I believe the garden will become a treasured part of the crematorium and I am delighted that through the work of our Bereavement Services we are able to offer such a retreat to help parents come to terms with the death of their baby.”
Chaplain Jane Lloyd of Poole Hospital said: “In helping families come to terms with the loss of a baby, either before the baby is born or in the infancy stage, our experience has taught us they often appreciate somewhere peaceful they can visit. The Butterfly Garden offers a place of shelter and a feeling of protection and peace for parents to come and share those precious memories whilst feeling close to their baby.”
The opening of the new Butterfly Garden took place on Friday 27th June 2008 at 4:30pm. A special dedication service included The Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor Stephen Chappell officially opened the garden, and the Mayor of Poole Councillor Joyce Lavender planted a buddleia bush – commonly known as the ‘Butterfly Bush’.
The opening and dedication ceremony was open to all, and was followed by refreshments in the Crematorium waiting room, kindly provided by Coop Funeralcare of Boscombe.'
Woman's Hour details the memorials here:
visit link
'Memorial garden for babies born before 24 weeks
The Butterfly Garden in Bournemouth, Dorset is a home for the ashes of any deceased baby, whether it is one that has died in the womb or has been aborted. Hospital Chaplain, Canon Jane Lloyd performs a regular monthly service for the very young babies that have not lived. She scatters their ashes in the Butterfly Garden. Ruth Oliver went to watch one of the memorial services and spoke to some women whose children had died.'
There are a few dedicated plaques to the lost babies around the perimeter of the central border.