Question
I want to create a sort-of memorial garden on my property, using a mix of different plants, with roses being the main theme.  I'd like to use a climber and perhaps create a hedge as well as using some for traditional shrubbery.  I have plenty of sunny space, and I'm prepared to spend some money, but my creativity/vision skills are sorely lacking.  Can you recommend a good book or other source of information to get me on the right track?

Answer
A memorial garden is a very personal garden because it means so much to the gardener. There isn't one book written on the subject or even ( to my knowledge) anything written about it. Not in any of the many rose books I have read. However you could start with a few tried and true gardening rules such as:-
Is the garden for your contemplation or remembering.
What is the essence of the memory you are trying to accomplish.
Is is a child or an adult or an event you are remembering.
Will others be sharing it with you so paths for two to walk are needed.
What colours will give you the envirionment you are seeking.
Will there be structures such as arbors, benches etc to add to the overall character.
Seats should be placed where you get a pleasing view of the garden or a special plant.
Should maintenance be kept to a pleasing chore or will others help you.
Bonica roses make a beautiful hedge that you can prune with an electric hedge trimmer.
Magnolia trees are a carefree tree.
Lilies come up and go down and are no problem.
Peonies also come up and go down with a minimum of care.
In zone 8  most plants and shrubs plus roses do well so you should have no trouble making a beautiful garden.
Here is my website with a few ideas on what to plant with rose. Again it is a very personal selection for any gardener.
http://www.theoldrosarian.com/