Olives stand for peace and so i think an Olive tree is always a beautiful way to remember someone.

We planted a standing white rose with a plaque underneath for our beloved dog & it’s never without a bloom hardly. Rose gardens are a lovely tribute to someone dear & it’s comforting to see & smell so many beautiful blooms.

There are a number of factors including what grows in your climate and your soil condition.
But I would think Forget Me Nots and Lillies would be beautiful. A nice colour flowering ground cover and if you are honouring the memory of a particular person then I would definitely add their favourite flowers.
Tulips are also beautiful flowers and many people do roses. I don’t know about trees but I wouldn’t go for one that grows too big with such a large trunk.

I am not good with plant names, and it probably depends on where you’re located, too. But I would tend to suggest flowering plants.

I love roses. They are a good option, as they have numerous varieties. You may be able to find a variant with a name you can connect to. For example, my friend lost her Mum, and I was able to find a rose called Mother.

I love trees that have a specific time of the year to flower for a memorial garden, eg jacaranda trees

You just need to consider your climate and find something easy to care and not need much water.

Depending how big you want it, maybe succulents if small or something like a camellia

Thank you everyone for all of the beautiful comments. I have now started my Memorial Garden and its starting to look pretty good. The Memorial is for my Dad who passed away just over a month ago now.

Today I had a email from a 90 year old friend she has a Rose plant in a beautiful pot she has taken with her for 68 years. He darling husband gave her a small twig and she planted it and it blooms about three times a year. Today is Valentine Day and it is full of blooms. Roses are hardy. This memorial plant has travelled with her all this time and her dear husband passed and she feels comfort watering and tending to the plant daily. I have given a friend a Bird of Paradise after her father passed in South Africa. It is a hardy plant that has flowered and reminds her of their days in South Africa. She loves the strength of this plant. She planted it in a pot and has moved twice and it proudly stands by her front door. Pick a plant that has meaning and choose something that will grow into the space you have chosen. Not too high, not too much maintenance. Some people love a fruit tree it all depends on your idea of where the memorial space is.

I presume the garden is for a loved one? I would start with plants they might have liked, plants you like, plants that remind you of them etc Then work out which are easy to grow, minimal looking after, how big they grow, how expensive they are etc
Good luck with it, I’m sure it will be beautiful ????

I think sunflowers are nice. They are bright and are a good reminder of times that were happy.

Maybe a plant that the person the memorial is for. It would have a bit more meaning to me. Such a lovely idea.

I have some beautiful standard roses in my garden. I bought them as a memorial for my nan, nephew and best friend. They always make me smile when I look at them and think of my loved ones.

A cactus succulent garden would be quiet modern with nice coloured pebbles.You could do a heart shape when your succulents bred.easy to maintain but also refreshing to look at.Happy gardening