Our family would love to have an ornamental fish pond, but the options seem overwhelming. How complicated is this type of project?

It depends on the size and setting, but there are very simple ponds that are inexpensive, easy to construct and relatively simple to maintain (especially if you get the kids involved).

I have spent a lot of money on plants that are supposed to do well in the South, but they don't in my back yard. Can you help?

There is any number of horticultural, environmental or maintenance factors that could be responsible and it is generally easy to identify them. An unsuitable location is one of the most common problems. An hour consultation would be a good investment to insure future planting decisions are well informed.

I am afraid of mulch. Is there an alternative? (Not Common)

I am still puzzled by this, but keep it in the archive to remind me there will always be questions I am not prepared for. That said, a decorative gravel might be a good alternative in the right setting and not as scary.