Ipswich Town FC memorial garden gets blue and white makeover

The big picture: The garden honours fans whose ashes were interred in the original pitch soil before it was replaced in June 2023.

Why it matters: The refreshed garden provides a dedicated space for families to remember loved ones at Portman Road stadium.

The details:

• Stuart Andrews, Notcutts Plant Buyer and lifelong ITFC fan, led the horticultural team

• New plant varieties include Perovskia and Asters in bright blue and white

• The garden is located at the corner of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand and Cobbold Stand

• It's open to visitors on matchdays and throughout the week

What they're saying: Jayne Jones, whose son Aiden's ashes are in the garden, said: "Our son Aiden was tragically killed in 2009 at the age of 20. He was the kindest, most caring son, brother and amazing friend to many."

"Aiden loved ITFC, he had been a season ticket holder for 14 years, so for us to be able to lay him to rest at Portman Road by the Sir Bobby Robson Stand was incredible because there was no other place that he would have wanted to be."

She added, "Having the memorial garden is absolutely fantastic as it's a place where we can sit for a while and reflect upon our memories."

Stuart Andrews of Notcutts said: "We encourage everyone visiting the stadium to take a peaceful moment in the Garden of Remembrance in honour of the Blues fans no longer with us, who would have loved to see this moment of glory as ITFC return to the Premier League."

The bottom line: The refreshed Garden of Remembrance prompts us to reflect on what's important in life amidst the excitement of Ipswich Town's return to top-flight football.