Agree with the majority... use hearty plants , that love the dry hot conditions... don't worry you have plenty of choices and colours so there will be colour ! A good organic soil that has been turned well! Plenty of good water between days that at hot... But most of all , your mulch is the key factor here if you don't use a good one , all will end and quickly ... some mulch tend to disappear quickly , some seperate in large water drenching . Because you are on the slope maybe try running Hardwood timber palings from end to end in around 3 sections to stop the mulching sliding . And my choice of mulch Hardwood Chip , not mulch but chip lasts for a bloody long time ! I'm a cabinet maker via trade but love green thumbing

Thanks Betty for your kind words, I really appreciate your kind consideration I won't even respond to those other comments. I am in my 60's, haven't been computer "savvy" for long and am very appreciative for all the very kind help I have received. Thanks for the link. I hadn't even thought of looking on ebay. My sincerest thanks to everyone who offers helpful ideas and suggestions.

I believe the look you're after was a traditional flooring in French country gardens and suggest a similar effect could be acheived using the same method as for exposed aggregate paths and driveways ie the stones are mixed into concrete and spread out to create the floor (including drainage) that you need and then, before the concrete is properly dry the surface is rubbed with a stiff broom to expose the top of the stones and then sealed..Depending on how wide and thick you need the area of flooring a concretor could do this for you, or in a small area with solid existing concrete floor you could try sticking the stones down very closely together with a suitable tile glue, add a thick cement grout (to help hold the stones in place) and brush to reveal more of the stones to suit and seal.. check out "exposed aggregate paths" for specifics

As a parent, this story touched my heart. What a beautiful way to remember his soul and to start healing. Gardens breathe life into the home. I wish that the family finds their peace.