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.

Agardenstateof mind - it probably is Deep Cut Gardens though the name doesn't ring a bell. Is it the one with the old hemlocks in back of the main house with the stairs going down? I surprised no one has mentioned it here before unless I just missed it. Birdgardner, thanks for the update. I wanted to recommend Arnold's Promise so I'm glad you got it. The scent is great and the blooms glow. I have Diane as well but I have been disappointed in mine. It doesn't bloom well though I can't say that about other Diane's I've seen. I just got a dud and I am thinking about shovel pruning it. Also, although I've caught a scent off it once or twice over many years, it mostly doesn't have a scent. As far as combo's, winter jasmine, helleborus foetidus, early purple, blue or yellow bulbs like iris reticulata and crocus, any evergreen, cornus winterflame, kerria and other colorful stems. There is a beautiful display at Brooklyn with a the collection of witch hazel heavily under planted with purple crocus tommasinianus and it's gorgeous.

The Nova Scotia Government website has a link to Halifax and its tourist attractions, including some information and photos of the Public Gardens. Here is a link that might be useful: Halifax/Dartmouth area of Nova Scotia (including Halifax Photo Tour with information and text on Public Gardens)

Spider nest in corn