I'm taking the Washtenaw County (Michigan) Master Rain Gardener online class, but if there was a Novice Rain Gardener class that would have been more appopriate! I'm very new to landscaping/gardening and could really use some feedback from those more experienced.

Context:

Southeastern Michigan; Clay-y soil (but when I did the percolation test, it drained in less then 24 hours, so not too badly draining).

The plan is to have a pipe from the downspout go about 25 feet, into this rain garden. I've included a picture of the yard (taken from the opposite corner) a picture of the corner for the garden, and pictures of my sketchs. I also need to figure out what to do with the rock wall the the arborvitae and lilacs are behind.

I'd love some feedback for anyone who loves rain gardens and helping a novice out!

1) does my plant list look reasonable? Is that too many plants?

2. The arborvitae and lilacs on the sides and back are behind this stone wall thing, my garden would be built right next to it. I am not clear if the stones are really functional or decorative and I'm not sure how to figure that out. Should I :1) build the berm right next to the stones and basically don't bother them. 2) build the berm right up to and sort of on the stones (basically burying some stones and making part of the berm) or 3) take the wall down and repurpose the stones, making the berm go up against/replace the stones

3) What else am I missing/not thinking about?

what else am I missing/ not thinking about??????