A grieving funeral home manager has created a memorial garden for the public in memory of her mother.
Tricia Curling, has been manager of WA Truelove and Son in Martin Way, Morden, for five years, and with permission from the firm, has spent more than £1,000 of her own money to transform the property’s garden into a tranquil space anyone can use to sit and remember loved ones.
The garden, which she has named the Purple Garden, is set to be officially opened on Sunday.
Ms Curling, who lives in a flat above the shop front, said: "I had been meaning to do something with the space for ages.
"Just before mum died we had a Chinese family and they had a ceremony in the garden.
"I just thought the area looked so drab. I spoke to my mum and she said go for it."
Shortly afterwards Minie Curling died of cancer aged 94 leaving her daughter a small inheritance she used to create the garden.
The 56-year-old, who previously worked in nursing, said: "Her favourite colour was lilac. You don’t really get lilac trees in this country so I decided to go with the theme of purple. It is her favourite colour and also attracts bees and butterflies.
"I didn’t want really bright colours because it is supposed to be a peaceful area of reflection."
Four months of hard work and personal expense later the Purple Garden is ready for the public.
The garden will be accessible through a side gate Ms Curling plans to open at 8am Monday to Friday, and close at around 7pm.
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