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This article will give you some plant suggestions.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/plants-zones-9-11.htm
You can also visit local garden centers and even look at landscaping in your area.
You can also contact your County Extension Office for a list of plants suited to your region.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/

This article will help you.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/the-southern-fall-vegetable-garden.htm

Typically this would indicate caterpillars of some kind. They likely are coming out at night to munch on the plants. This article may be helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/prevent-caterpillars.htm

Sweet bay magnolia trees are hardy zones 5-9. I live in southern WI where I am on the cusp of zone 4 & 5. If you're in northern WI, I would definitely be concerned about sweet bay magnolia surviving the harsh winters. On the bright side, willow and poplar do very well in wet locations in WI.

Here are some links that will help you.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/growing-trees-in-containers.htm
http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/woodies/pdfs/containerculture.pdf

There is a few varieties that can be grown in shade conditions.
This link will help you.

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/faqs/darkside.html