This forum is a good place to start. Break your yard into chunks and do a different post for each one. Example:
Side yard A, south facing: Post a photo for each section.

Start with a comprehensive photo of each section, and give members a chance to help you with one section before you post the next.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

Members here can give you a plan, and many ideas. Your state forum will be able to suggest plants that will grow best.

Good luck!

Suzi

This is as good forum as any, and more active than most.

( I really despise the way GW has set up all these -- far too many different -- forums. I think it's very difficult to get answers this way, but not everyone agrees with me, so meh.)

Hi
Lots of planning necessary for a water feature . There are a gazillion different approaches . First decide what you want to keep .Mostly plants ,plants and fish or bog ,marsh type . Or just a plain old fountain?? Waterfalls ,streams,.etc,etc lol
Location is all important dictated by the function naturally. Koi ponds are very different than goldfish ponds and different again than lily ,lotus pools and fountains . I would layout a water feature first because it will dominate the landscape
look around your area and see what appeals to you .
gary