01329 822533
01329 822533
The original five acre garden surrounds the buildings and Chapels. From the northern perimeter there are views over Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent. The setting is now enhanced by many fine, mature trees. From the outset the Joint Committee decided not to permit memorial plaques, a decision which has been vindicated by the pleasant uncluttered appearance of the gardens.
The new garden was added in 1976. It has now developed a character of its own. Many of the additional features, including the rock garden and pond, have been provided by public donations. To the west, the garden is bounded by open farmland.
Members of the public may place flowers in the garden at the spot where the ashes of the deceased are scattered, using the green vases provided. The green vases can be found located by the water stations adjacent to the book room or at the back of the main building. Once the flowers have perished, our gardeners will remove the dead flowers and replace the vases back to the water stations to reuse. Memorials and personal items are not permitted; this includes but is not limited to glass, pottery ornaments, plastic containers and personalised flower holders.
The ‘Baby Bed’ opened in January 2024 and is situated on the south side of the lawn in the New Garden area. The ‘Baby Bed’ is designed to only be used for ashes of NVF’s, stillbirths or babies up to 12 months old, therefore, families who may wish to be reunited with their babies’ ashes in the future would need to choose an alternative location.
Please note, babies’ ashes scattered prior to January 2024 are laid to rest in the location ‘New Garden between 118 – 123 posts’ therefore you can still place your loved ones ashes in this location and choose this for any repeat scatterings.
The ‘Baby Bed’ has been divided into 4 sections (1 – 4), separated by shrubs. Ashes are to be scattered in the crushed bark / soil sections, between the shrubs. All baby scatterings for unspecified or new location will be carried out in this area. Applicants must specify if they would like an alternative location when completing forms for cremation.
Garden regulations will still apply to the ‘Baby Bed.’ No personalised items, only fresh flowers to be placed in this area. We will regularly remove unauthorised items. More information can be found in our garden regulations.
