How about some early spring bulbs (crocus, hyacinth, Dutch iris) and then some later daffodils. Then you could use bearded irises and daylilies; perhaps some euphorbia griffithi for spring color and later foliage interest. Those would all be easy to care for and not particularly invasive. There's so much to choose from! Good luck.
Susan

Gerri,

Sorry you lost your uncle - sounds like he was special to you.

Brugmansias will not overwinter there. Lilies and plumbago will be fine. You could plant spring bulbs as Susan suggested and plumbago will come up and bloom after them. Peonies will do fine and should bloom in May. Then how about some purple coneflower for a little later. If you plant cosmos, they will also flower in early summer through summer into fall and should self-seed. Asters will bloom into the fall.

I have planted several memorial gardens for close relatives. I like Siberian Iris, Asiatic Lilies (star gazers), peonies (single last through rain) knock-out roses, hydrangea (lace caps), hardy hibuscus, and mums. I would also stress to plant three of whatever is chosen (except for the rose and hydrangea or any other bush) so that it looks good from the very beginning. A small waterfeature (may be a waterfall without a pond) could also be very nice. My whole garden is a meorial garden to the partner who designed its beginning. he wloved it then and he'd be crazy about it now.

Thank you all for your help.

Here is what my list looks like now:

Have:

grape hyacinth
jonquils (these are very special to me because my neighbor who passed away in November grew them)
Siberian Iris 'Super Ego'
dianthus firewitch
flag iris
daylilies (have a seedling that will be named after him and one called 'Big Smile')
Casa Blanca lilies
blue plumbago
white peony
coneflowers
cosmos (seeds)
Anemone 'Honorine Jorbert'

will get:

crocus
hyacinth
dutch iris
asters
asiatic lilies
lacecap hydrangea (have a blue one I can root)
knockout rose
hardy hibiscus (may have seeds)
mums (can root 'October Pinks' given to me by another neighbor who passed away from leukemia)

I had never heard of Euphorbia griffithii before, it definitely looks nice.

Would Eucomis 'Sparkling Burgundy' be hardy there? This garden is in Georgetown, De.

I agree with the hydrangea, I've had great luck w/ them here in Milford, DE and Hosta's of course.