ABOVE: An aerial view of the completed garden , December 2025.

CREATING A PLACE OF REFLECTION

At Mossfords, we understand that memorial spaces are more than landscapes – they are places of comfort, remembrance, and deep personal meaning. That’s why we’re proud to share the story of a truly special project delivered by our affiliate commercial stonemasonry company, Stone Sign Co., for Believe Organ Donor Support.

ABOVE: We documented the entire process of how the garden features were created.

Believe ODS

Stone Sign Co. (MS-Group Ltd)

Northern Cemetery, Cardiff

December 2025

Acorn Property Group

Speller Metcalf

Pennant Stone

£16m

July 2017

DEVELOPER

MAIN CONTRACTOR

MATERIAL

PROJECT VALUE

DATE

A GARDEN BUILT ON GENEROSITY & HOPE

Cardiff Bereavement Services generously donated a large area of land within Northern Cemetery to Believe ODS, creating the foundation for what is now the Believe Garden — a dedicated space honouring organ donation and the extraordinary gift of life.

The vision for the garden was both powerful and sensitive:

• To reflect all areas of organ donation
• To provide a peaceful wellbeing space for families
• To offer a setting for remembrance, reflection, and gratitude

Organ donation represents hope born from loss — a legacy that lives on. The Believe Garden was designed to embody this message, blending natural surroundings with carefully crafted stone features that will stand the test of time.

BELOW: The section in Cardiff’s Northern Cemetery dedicated to Believe by Cardiff Bereavement Services.

BRINGING THE VISION TO LIFE

For the grand opening of the Believe Garden, Stone Sign Co. was entrusted with creating and installing a series of bespoke stone elements that would anchor the space both visually and symbolically.

The scope of the project included:

• 15 natural stone boulders with inset granite plaques
• 4 entrance markers to welcome visitors into the space
• A wayfinding stone to guide visitors gently through the garden
• 3 memorial plaques for dedicated tributes
• A handcrafted memory bowl as a focal point for reflection

Each element was thoughtfully designed to complement the tranquil environment while delivering clarity, durability, and timeless beauty.

ABOVE: The boulders to be used to hold set-in etched plaques.

ABOVE: The stones used for the wayfinding elements of the garden.

CRAFTSMANSHIP IN EVERY DETAIL

The 15 boulders form the heart of the garden. Carefully selected for their natural character, each stone was individually prepared to receive precision-cut granite plaques. The inset detailing required meticulous craftsmanship — ensuring the granite sat seamlessly within the organic contours of the stone, creating a harmonious balance between nature and artistry.

The entrance markers were designed to create a sense of arrival — subtle yet significant. They frame the transition from everyday surroundings into a dedicated space of reflection.

The wayfinding stone was crafted not just for practicality, but to gently guide visitors through the garden’s journey. In memorial spaces, navigation must feel intuitive and respectful, allowing visitors to move at their own pace.

The memorial plaques provide families with lasting tributes, while the memory bowl serves as a symbolic centrepiece — a place for quiet contemplation and personal remembrance.

ABOVE: Preparing the boulders for the set-in granite plaques.

ABOVE: A total of 15 boulders were prepared ready for the opening of the garden.

ABOVE: Every patron’s hand print was fine-etched on to the granite plaques using an etching machine.

ABOVE: Additional details were sandblasted onto the plaques by hand.

ABOVE: An artist finished the additional detailing in red enamel paint.

ABOVE & BELOW: Entrance and wayfinding stones being sandblasted and painted.

ABOVE: The Memory Bowl being milled from a block of granite.

BELOW: The intricately smooth interior of the bowl required finishing by hand.

BELOW: The bowl was prepped with detailing rubber and sandblasted.

ABOVE: The sandblast detailing rubber doubled as a stencil for the enamel finishing.

FIXING THE FEATURES

BELOW: Once complete, each element was delivered to the Believe Garden where the fixing crews were had readily prepared the foundations and set-up the spider crane.

ABOVE: Each granite plaque was then secured to the boulder on-site.

ABOVE: The Memory Bowl fixed in place.

THE OPENING CEREMONY

ABOVE: The crowd begins to gather at Northern Cemetery for the opening of the Believe Garden on December 1st 2025.

ABOVE: Lord Mayor of Cardiff Adrian Robson spoke at the ceremony.

ABOVE: Julie Morgan MS unveiled the opening plaque.

ABOVE: A wonderful turnout – and the newly-planted trees got watered.

STONE THAT SPEAKS FOR GENERATIONS

At Mossfords, we know that stone is more than a material. It carries memory, permanence, and meaning. Through the expertise of Stone Sign Co., this project demonstrates how commercial stonemasonry and memorial craftsmanship can work together to create something truly special.

The Believe Garden now stands as a lasting testament to generosity, remembrance, and the profound impact of organ donation. It offers families a peaceful sanctuary — a place to sit, reflect, and honour the remarkable gift of life.

We are incredibly proud to see our affiliate company’s skill and dedication contribute to such an important community space in Cardiff. Projects like this remind us why we do what we do: to help create enduring tributes that matter.

If you would like to learn more about memorial commissions or bespoke stonework, our team at Mossfords is always here to help guide you with care and expertise.