Welcome aboard Cappycat. Always happy to see Local hobbyist joining. As TM mentioned I'm in Hammond. Nice pond, Great layout! If your looking for some starter plants and happen to be over this direction feel free to contact me, I have several varieties of pond plants that I could get a start here and there for you. If you want something fish wise that is extremely hardy in our area, won't bother plants, is a great mosquito control fish and a fish that can be left alone even if the power goes off for a day or more at a time. Think about trying paradise fish. I got my start from another member here that is REALLY close to you in Thibidaeux (SP? LOL) Minnowman. he raises some knock out water lilies and uses paradise fish in his lily ponds. I also have goldfish and Koi.