Ok, so after a furious cleaning of everything after Spaz passed on, I decided to take a break from fish, and just have plants for a while. I could always add fish later, once the plants are established.

Now, I'm very good at growing things in a garden, but that's on dry land! Underwater, I'm not sure if there's anything special I should be doing? I have about an inch of gravel down, and the filter and bubble curtain are running, so the tank is basically being cycled again.

I have one Java Fern, and one plant that I think is a Papyrus plant. I would LOVE to have some Java Moss, but I can't find a bit of it anywhere at the pet stores. I have seen some on eBay, but they're all asking outrageous shipping prices for small amounts.

Should I just get adventurous and pick up some shrimp to help keep the place clean? (Wish they could clean my room too.....)

I would add a inch of soil on the the bottom. Cheep potting soil would work or if you can afford it get the stuff that is for planted tanks like ADA or Florite substrate. Then I would add a bunch of low light plants and I mean lots with some fast growers to float on top like duck weed or hornwart.
How many wats per gallon do you have? If its really low Id place it by a window that gets indirect sunlight.
You can get a lot of info on a low tech plant here. http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/index.php under the topic El Natural. (hope its ok to post a site) Or try searching the net there are several planted tank forums out there that one is just my fave.
Good luck.
Oh and Id wait till you tank has been set up about six months to add any shrips so there is stuff in there for them to eat.

Have you looked at the Florida Driftwood Webpage? I ordered Java moss from them a couple of years ago. They are located in South Florida so maybe the shipping to your place would be less expensive.

what about some anarcharis, i'm having success from mine, they're quite easy to care for

I've heard that potting soil is best left for experienced plant keepers because all soil is different and most types of chemicals that might harm your fish. I'd go for a gravel made specifically for aquatic plants. Much safer and less messy