For access issues, check out square foot gardening!

In my central ohio yard, the bees really are crazy for beebalm (monarda) which is a native & comes in many colors. The also love agastache. These are both full sun.

Hummingbirds have been attracted to honeysuckles (not the invasive kind) and trumpetvines (warning, do not plant this unless you want to cover a large and very sturdy structure, and battle its desire to take over the world), also salvias. You must already have things that attract and feed them, though, if they were nesting there.

There is a hummingbird forum too; I'm sure they have more info.

I sure do wish that I had so much land! I would be planting more fruit trees/shrubs, and one of everything else!

For shade I highly recommend columbines, they keep their foliage nice for ages. I have morning glories, the hummers like those too. My morning glories have managed pretty well in the shade as well as full sun. I also appreciate my daffodils, they are hardy, handle poor soil around my maple trees and can be planted quite deep.

Check out the Winter Sowing Forum and the Seed Exchange. You soound like the perfect winter sower.

Post, and tell them Bakemom sent you. Then see what happens! You will love it.

keep watching this forum for signs about the central ohio garden swap. it's usually a great way to get free plants
and meet people. its usually in Hilliard Ohio in early-mid may

diggerb

When I first got interested in plants I loved to sit and look at nursery catalogs (still do). And their websites!
You can see the plants and read about them and daydream about which ones you need and want. They are a great source of information but you can usually find most of the plants you want locally cheaper. and avoid the shipping cost. All you have to do is go to the websites and request a free catalog. My favorites are www.springhillnursery.com , www.gurneys.com , there are also HenryField's, Parks, Burpee and probably more.
And like Bakemom said... check out the wintersowing forum... it is great.

well don't forget to try butterfly bush (buddlia ?) and milkweed to attract butterflies.

also scarlet runner beans are great for attracting hummers

dill and fennel will both attract butterflies

diggerb