Does anyone know where to get 50 to 55 gallon drums for relatively cheap

Try Mt. Olive Pickle Company; you know, the one at Cucumber and Vine...

http://www.mtolivepickles.com/ContactUs.html

Landscape plans: maybe you would profit from a garden designer's
suggestions. Ask for recommendations at you favorite garden center, then
be sure to go see some of the designers' work, inquire of the owner about
final costs, etc.