Upfront, I don't no nuthin' about such gardens per se. But I do know something about charities and donations-- Sounds like what you could bring to the table is a design and vision--the more you've got it actually sketched out, phase 1, phase 2, etc, according to practicalities, site development, the better. Then what you do is recruit people to donate toward this vision--here's a JM going in over here, there's a bench (with plaque!) going in over there; would one of these be something you'd like to do in memory of your loved one? I take a lesson from laag The Great on this forum (kind of just ribbing there), but he's been so helpful. The more order and strong design you can get into place with the hardscape and larger plantings, you can then tolerate more randomness in, in front of, and around that. Also, you can, and should, even PLAN for randomness- 'cause you can expect it--so you could figure out what areas and what sorts of plants lend themselves to smaller and more idiosyncratic memorials. Think of building or remodeling a church (well, the typical modern-era church)--people don't just bring in stuff from home or that they've gone out to buy or everyone bring his own pew and book. Some folks donate toward the organ, the church ladies's auxilliary funds the new kitchen appliances, the pews may be dedicated to loved ones, folks buy hymnals and a dedication is placed inside. But it's all part of a plan. It's aslo kind of like getting listed with a store for a wedding or baby shower--you're giving some guidance for things needed, with some big-ticket items, but very important to include lots of smaller-ticket items (so really, a good "range"), and also expect some folks to show up with stuff you never imagined. Another aspect might be maintenance. You know how different organizations take on a section of road? Will it be likely or possible that a person or group would volunteer to spruce up or maintain an area? A final aspect is the difference between "memorial" and general public garden. Memorial in terms of plantings implies to me some kind of pemanence (the bench, the oak, the JM, for example). So that could be the kind of randomness to avoid, or you'll have random trees and shrubs competing with each other. But also, cash donations are memorials, just like to a charity, so you'd like to encourage non-itemized donations. So the other aspect to the overall garden is the ephemeral aspect, with seasonal plantings and displays, which will be suitable for a lot of donors who realize that garden plantings come and go (e.g., people subsidize theater, symphony performances that are not "permanent" things). And really, no one has to die (for the garden!)-you will be encouraging living "in honor of" donations as a counter to the need to buy things for people. This approach is very popular with older people who have finally figured out we all have too much stuff.

Georgette is a large floribunda from Kordes. According to Help Me Find, Hortico sells it. If not I have it. If you want it and can't get it from Hortico, contact me for info on obtaining a rooted cutting. If you can't find a Georgine, get her another rose similar in name and call it Georgine. as long as she doesn't try to sell it or give it away as cuttings, she can call it anything she wants. After all a memorial rose is just something planted to remember a loved one so a simple plaque stating "In memory of Georgine" would serve the purpose. Memorial Day would work also. Here is a link that might be useful: Georgette at HelpMe Find.

I know you will miss her; I also planted things around my pets' (two cats and four dogs so far) graves. I like ferns and native azaleas, but I think anything that you like and fits the area, i.e., sun or shade. Husband made markers from wood, engraved with their names. We also put some trilliums and other shade loving plants there.I think about all of our wonderful pets when I walk through that area, even tho' it has been 26 years since our first loss. Making a garden around them helps keep those memories alive.

Try posting this on the computer crafts board also. You might get some more responses. I wish I could help.