Hello Kyle,

Lucky you having that much $$ to begin, that is awesome!! I can tell you from my experience that after putting in a koi pond/watergarden just two years ago, I have gone head over heels for it. So much so, that in just a few weeks, I am going to make the koi pond bigger and add many more tropicals to it. I cant get enough, and I think you will know what I mean after you get going. It is addicting. I highly recommend doing the koi pond but do it big enough from the get go! Surround it with as many tropicals as you can. You may have to do a little extra work in the fall and spring like I do since we arent exactly in a tropical zone, but believe me, it is worth it. I am going to be doing a lot of soiless planting which in turn keeps dirt out of the water (a big plus) and also keeps the water clear because the roots act as a filter to the water. Oh, I could go on forever........ Anyway, some plants I highly recommed is Dwarf Giant Papyrus, Canna's (many varietys, but definetly recommend the bengal tiger), Elephant Ear and Angel's Trumpet. Searching this site is a great place to start because it is chocked full of information.
Good luck with your ventures!

Buy this book and you'll get a ton of ideas (and you'll still have $4,979 left in your garden budget).

if your moving to lexington your going to have alot of competition..lot of rich people there who spend an enormous amount on plants. i go there to a greenhouse called "pembertons" for alot of tropicals in that area.