looking for someone to help me realize a project with music and plant response

Hello,
I am a composer beginning work on a project with music and plant responses. and was thinking of trying to use Max and sensors. I have very small knowledge of Max and am looking for someone who can do the technical part of the project, or guide me through it. Someone I talked to (who is too busy to work with me now) suggested that Arduino might be a good way to communicate between the sensors and Max.

I'm going to do this at a residency and am leaving in a few days, and my most immediate question is, what equipment should I order so it can meet me there?

I am thinking about environmental sensors, like for light, temperature, moisture (air or soil), and wind; a motion sensor that could make the whole thing activate when someone or something comes near; and a sensor or sensors that could sense the plant's activity or response, for example, changes in electrical resistance on a leaf, or measuring sap flow.

This is an unexpected opportunity, and I have some, but not a lot, of money for it right now.

Any help or advice would be great, and if you might be interested in assisting me technically, please let me know.