Situated on the eastern side of Belfast City Hall, the Titanic Memorial Garden is a poignant tribute to the lives lost on the RMS Titanic. The garden is divided into two levels, with the upper level featuring a nine-meter-long plinth inscribed with the names of the 1,512 individuals who perished in the tragedy. Surrounding this plinth is a lower grassed terrace, enhancing the serene ambiance of the memorial.
At the heart of the garden, fifteen bronze plaques are mounted on the memorial plinth, meticulously listing the names of all those lost aboard the Titanic. Initially, it was thought that existing lists contained all the names, but subsequent research revealed otherwise. The Belfast List, as it is now known, ensures that every individual lost in the disaster is remembered and honored in one comprehensive monument.
The plant selection within the garden has been carefully curated to provide seasonal interest, particularly during the springtime, coinciding with the anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking. The color scheme predominantly features whites, silvers, blues, and greens, symbolizing water and ice, fostering a contemplative atmosphere of peace and reflection.
Among the garden’s botanical highlights are two multi-stem Himalayan birch trees flanking the memorial plinth, renowned for their striking white bark and graceful appearance. Additional feature plants include the exquisite Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Alba Superba,’ known for its white blooms, and a variety of white shrub roses such as Rosa ‘Claire Austin’ and Rosa ‘Lichfield Angel.’
Certain plant selections carry symbolic significance, contributing to the garden’s narrative. Blue forget-me-nots and fragrant rosemary evoke themes of remembrance, while the Magnolia stellata, with its star-shaped white flowers, pays homage to the Titanic’s starry fate. The birch trees, symbolizing renewal, further enrich the garden’s poignant story, inviting visitors to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Titanic tragedy.
