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.

What I would do then is just cut down to that dense foliage (removing all flowerheads and buds), especially given you are in Zone 5 and your first frost will probably be earlier than ours here in Zone 7. Unfortunately, you do give up some late-season flowering to get a plant with a better shot at making it through winter. The other option is to leave them be and take your chances. If you lose plants, you should still get plenty of seedlings in Spring, though Gaillardia cultivars such as 'Arizona Apricot' do not tend to come true from seed (from what I have read/seen on here). Also, keep in mind that just because you have clay doesn't mean it isn't well-drained soil. If it is amended nicely and/or isn't compacted, it may drain just fine. Some clays (like mine) are literally like potting clay -- you can pour water in a hole and it is still there hours later. Others drain pretty well. Good luck!

Picklelady, So, are you Linda Ziedrich ? Welcome ! I am Linda Lou, the Master Food Preserver/Food Safety Advisor, and Program Assistant at my local county extension office. So, I am one who errs on the side of caution, of course. I do not have the Joy of Pickling yet. Perhaps I should get a copy. Have heard so many nice things about the book. I know we often see things from Univ. of Cal. Davis that seem sort of different than those we normally find. One thing I remember from several years ago was a gal who said she got a recipe for canning lemon curd from their files. Then, I had emailed our person at the university here. She said "no, that is not safe !", only now to see it included on the NCHFP website. I was shocked when I saw it added. Not that I would can it just because of the short shelf life. I prefer to freeze mine, but it is on there and I can tell people they may use that recipe and process it. Goes to show that things can and do change from time to time. Hmmm, maybe I could get you to sign a copy of your book for me.

I think if they have the same "feel" they will work together. The subway tile and the pinwheel or octagonal tile that you use downstairs would also "work" in that hall bath. That's what I mean. Your hall bath is really nice. I gel stained all the vanities in my house a really dark espresso. They have all been updated with hardware that is some sort of satin nickel (they don't match from room to room). They all have a "zen" vibe going. Except the gel stained cabinets, they don't have anything else in common, but yet they all feel similar. Bamboo floor in master bathroom and porcelain tile in hall. I have photos of my master and of the hall bath, to show you what I mean: