You can probably glean a lot of info by checking out some of the other threads in this forum.
I have found some of the cutest things at good will and such.
As for plants I like creeping or woolly thyme as a ground-cover.
there is a place on the internet called steppables that have a lot of small ground creeping type plants. They sell steppables in out box stores around here.
Good luck with your project and keep us posted on your garden
