Question
Thank you for your expertise, time and guidance.  we purchased a new construction home with a storm drain.  The storm drain is located in the back left corner of our lot.  We are looking for recommendations of plants/trees/shrubs/rocks total solution that will not interfere with the drainage our our community.  In heavy storms, the back 5' of our property is is unusable for a few days while it dries.  We are hoping to mitigate this river in our back yard through landscaping.  The width of our back yard is approx 30 yards.  Again, I certainly appreciate your expertise, time and guidance.

Answer
Here is my favorite plant sector website: http://www.growit.com/PlantInfo/LandScape.Htm

You'll need to know your USDA zone, but it is pretty user-friendly.  

As to your drainage problem; dedicating the last 5 feet of a 90-foot deep yard is a small price to pay, and I think that you have the opportunity to create a "dry creek" amenity when the water isn't flowing.

Here are some more links that may help you in general design and element placement.

http://landscaping.about.com/

http://landscaping.about.com/od/galleryoflandscapephotos/ss/yard_pictures.htm

I personally like lots of boulders, as it adds a low-maintenance element to the scenery, and it doesn't take much water!

There are so many variables about your unique yard and lifestyle that I could not possibly "design" your backyard via the Internet without a site visit, interview, etc.  

I believe in the power and creativity of a good landscape contractor to make a yard a special place, if you as the owner and used can adequately tell them what you want.  I just spent this morning with several homeowners AND their contractors discussing what could be done for them - and we were standing in their backyards- a huge help!

It would be arrogant of me &  poor service to you to try and tell you exactly what should be installed, sitting at a computer, 3,000 miles away!  All this to say, once you get some good ideas, its time to get some books (found at Home Depot or your local library) or good local help in putting it into reality.

~Marc