Hi dmarie
It can be a bit overwhelming, with too many choices!
You might take a look at the Bluestone Perennials website, they sell some preplanned perennial gardens, and are located in Ohio, with similar climate. You might not want to buy their garden, but they have chosen plants that would be good for newbies in the Midwest. "Fall Planting" works well for many plants. But by fall this usually means early-mid September, so the plants have a chance to get established before freezing. You will need to water some, but don't fertilize this fall. New plants planted summer or fall can get a spurt of growth from fertilizer, but they mistakenly think it is spring,. and don't prepare for winter. This can cause losses.
And do plant some bulbs, it will be so much fun in the spring!
I also agree with planting trees/shrubs first, but this is a case of do what I say, not what I do ;-)
https://www.bluestoneperennial...
