Many Groups have been involved in the creation of a Sands garden, either independantly or in partnership with a local hospital. The beauty of a garden is that it can be accessible to, and provide support for, so many whether their baby died recently or many years ago.

Steven Guy has been involved in the creation of a garden in Northern Ireland and gives a step by step guide. The list below is by no means comprehensive: it is merely a guide to consider before embarking on a garden project.

'Creating a garden can be seriously frustrating and exhausting, but the sense of achievement on completion is wonderful. To stand in the garden, that has been a labour of love and consumed every spare moment you had, and watch other parents find peace and comfort from your efforts, makes it all worthwhile.' 

• Choose the location of the garden carefully
• Consider how accessible it is
• Discuss terms with whoever owns the land
• How will it be maintained?
• Who will do the work?
• How much will it cost?
• How will the money be raised?
• Set realistic targets for completion
• Be prepared for setbacks
• Don't lose sight of why you doing this
• Plan an opening day service or party

Congratulations, you have provided many parents a peaceful, private place to think about their babies.

Below are some examples of Sands gardens which have been set up by local groups.

Tunbridge Wells Garden

St Andrews Babies' Memorial Garden

The two gardens highlighted are the latest additions to the growing list of babies memorial gardens created by Sands local groups.  However, many memorial gardens are maintained by other organisations.  The information we currently have on gardens around the UK is incomplete.

If you know of a garden even if it is just a simple plaque or stone dedicated to babies, no matter where it is, could you please contact Marion with further details.