Question
I have a problem with desinging a memorable landscape. I am creating a landscape for a library, which previously had help from a gentleman that made a lot the the stuff that happened happen. He recently just past away. I need to create some kind on landscape in approximately a 20X20 foot landscape. He liked roses and trees. Can you help me?

Answer
Who doesn't like roses & trees? (Actually, my sister-in-law doesn't like trees...)

Creating a successful outdoor space prepared as a memorial is a lot involved than just a plaque, a couple of roses, and a park bench.

Here is a  simple primer on landscape/garden design:

http://www.aperfectgarden.net/Landscape%20Design.htm

I would suggest you review the principles in the beginning of the link, above, then jump down to the section on 揝teps on Developing a Landscape Design? and really think about the six steps, listed:
1.  Plot Plan ?Show what is where, usually at a scale of some sort.
2.  Site Analysis ?How is this space in relation to sun exposure, access, utilities, etc?
3.  Needs & Desires ?What do you want to do in this space?
4.  Activity Areas ?Where will these activities take place?
5.  Design these Activity Areas ?What will they include or exclude?
6.  The LAST thing to worry about is what kinds of plants to plant & where (unless it is an Arboretum, rare plant exhibit, or something like that where the focus IS the plant material)

Each of these items can easily take up several paragraphs of description. Take your time & think each section through.

Since I don抰 know anything about where this 20x20 space is (tucked behind a large structure, in the middle of a parking lot, out at the front door of a public building, Florida? Canada? etc.), it is hard to lay down hard & fast design options for you.  

In general, if it can be enclosed in some psychological fashion (by low walls, trellis work, or shrubs), it would then have a sense of separation from the rest of the landscape and be a place 搒et aside?for a specific purpose or activity (beyond being a memorial for an individual ?Reading? Contemplation? Discovery? Etc.) which you抣l need to list out to get a better idea of what is appropriate.  For example, a swing set in a sculpture garden is an example of conflicting goals?br>
All this to say, that if you want this place to be appreciated by its potential users, you need to decide WHY it is that you are creating this space.

Hope this gets you started卛f you need specific or additional help, just ask another question.  Good luck & successful designing!  -Marc