Firstly, is the lovely Natasha planning on rolling up her sleeves and getting her hands dirty on this grand venture or planning to watch you play in the dirt?
For you, dear Thor, a gardening book would be a very good place to start. You need to figure out the acidity and base level of your soil, and discover the sun and shade ratio, and then the book will give you an idea what plants would be good starters for your soil and sun/shade. You need to decide with your wife what type of garden you would like (English garden, vegetable garden, root garden, herb garden, fruit orchard). As for the plants, if I do not have them in my own garden, I can locate you the ones you shall need.
If you require my help, all you need but do, is ask.