Lots of stuff grows well and it would depend on her soil, sun or shade etc. Most perennials grown from seed wouldn't bloom the first year. I think I am a little warmer than Utica especially this year but I start a lot of my perennials via wintersowing. Some of my tender annuals I start inside only because I need them close to blooming by the time I can plant them.

Just a few Perennials are:
Lobelia cardinalis
Lobelia siphilitica
Monarda
Aquilegia canadensis
Hosta
Bleeding Heart
Crocosmia
Daylily
Huechura
Salvia azurea
Lupines
Gladiolas
Red Yucca
Lily of the valley
Maltese Cross
Tall garden Phlox
Beardstongue
Iris

Some annuals
Zinnias
Impatiens
Salvia
Marigolds
Snap Dragons
creeping phox
morning glories
nasturtiums

and just about anything else that is annual down south. I am sure that others will have plenty more to add

Penny

Frost free is generally from Memorial Day weekend to mid-September. What is your friend interested in growing? Rudbeckia, poppies, Sweet William and lilies also do well for flowers.

I grew up in Utica and live in the Finger Lakes now. The list Penny gave is a good one.