In upstate New York our plant zone is 5 or 6 depending on which plant map you use. But what I've discovered is it's best to look for plants that survive in zone 4.   With six months of no leaves on the trees (they fall off in  October and don't return till May) and a reduced blooming season, I look for long blooming plants. I've put together a list of symbols that's helpful.  I've tried to steer clear of the type of soil (loamy, sandy), their growing habits, if they prefer moist or dry areas etc. Since I'm an amateur gardener I'll leave that to the professionals. If I can find what survives in this area, I'm doing good!

I've divided plants into 3 categories;  flowers, trees and bushes.  

Key

Spr	spring bloomers
Sum	summer bloomers
F	fall bloomers
	deer resistant	Deer will eat anything but if there is already plenty for them to eat they will tend to skip these in favor of more tasty items
	full shade
	partial shade
	sun
	long blooming