I agree with that recommendation, not only that but the plants would show a local hardiness which has already been successful in that area and soil.
A 2 - 3 month window isn't all that much time for plants to adjust transplant, grow, and 'show color'; it's the color and flowering that sells plants and location.
For immediate spring color, contact a local bulb grower, or floral shop, for "pre-chilled" bulbs - but you will pay dearly; it depends on what you are willing to spend ($).
A source for retailers and wholesalers can be found through your local Cooperative Extension office, or State Agriculture college.
If you had a larger window of opportunity it would take a lot of the pressure off you.
You can also supplement garden plants (depending on local wildlife/ critters) with bird feeders, bird baths, wind chimes, garden bench, etc., etc...
You can get a two or three week jump by purchasing locally grown plants that have already been 'hardened off'- just keep an eye out for the weather,
and have shade cloth or lite blankets available, "just in case".
Don't forget that gardeners and farmers, who try to get a jump on the season, are among the world's first gamblers.
Thanks TIK! Aside from the plant information I love the notion of a garden bench or birdbath up there. That’s something we can add at the last minute if we turn up with a bald spot in the bed when it’s time to list. We’ve poured a lot of savings into just plain repairs already so the budget is thin. After the weekend brainstorming we found people on Craigslist who want shrubs removed if we come dig. I think we’re going to get some of those too. They’re local so I can get them watered and fed well with first planting and hopefully they’ll hang in there with only being watered on weekends when we’re there. With the Mexican petunias and wormwood I mentioned to Diana in Wisconsin in my previous post hopefully we can just do some fill work with colorful annuals and then do a bench or birdbath if we have a bare spot.
Thanks again for the “on the spot” help!