I liked Bluestone Perennials when I was in the midwest. Bulbs may not be their main focus (although I think they do sell them) but they have all kinds of neat stuff and a nice online store with some tips.

You're gonna have so much fun growing the cold weather things you couldn't grow before. 😁 Winter stinks but spring is just amazing!

Rather than online for these common plants, I'd try to find a proper nursery where you can go and see what you're buying and talk to staff. Only resort to mail order when you start buying unusual things only available from specialists. Everything you mention is easy but now is not the time to be planting them. Bulbs should be planted in Autumn. Rhizomatous Iris, as opposed to bulb iris, go in in late summer. Deciduous shrubs, like the Forsythia, go in in Autumn or early Spring, if you get hard winters. In places with less cold winters you can plant all through winter. While you are waiting for planting time you can be deciding on the layout of your garden and preparing the soil. None of the things you mention will need routine fertilization. The gardening industry is very good at persuading people this is vital. In open ground planting of perennial plants it rarely is.

One tip I would give is to stop thinking in terms of 'flowers'. While the blooms are lovely you need to be thinking in terms of plants. They will be a permanent fixture in your garden and need to be considered year round, not just in spring. The best value shrubs and perennials plants have something to offer even when not in bloom. (Except most spring bulbs. They will disappear after blooming and reappear the following year.)

if youve never lived in OH.... i suggest you spend the rest of the summer visiting many local gardens.. to make list and plans..

local garden clubs should be starting garden tours.... find them and join...

spring bulbs are usually sold and planted in fall ...

its basically past prime planting time for many things ...

you are more apt to get answers to specific questions.. rather than asking broad questions ... and use more specific forums.. like annuals.. perennials.. shrubs... etc ...

ken

" local garden clubs should be starting garden tours.... find them and join"

Easily the best piece of advice ken as offered in recent weeks :-)) The best way to find out about local gardening issues as well as sources for plants is via a local garden club. Most have very accomplished members who can be excellent garden mentors, offering advice, tips and techniques that are best suited to your locale. And they often have spring plant sales, so a great way to increase your gardening palette.

Thank you for your advice-I will look for a local nursury (wish I knew where to start looking) I'll also look for a garden club. I've got some planning to do and plenty of time. thank you