I really like the idea of a serviceberry in this spot. I recently posted a serviceberry question in this forum and I've done a lot of research on them recently. There are many different varieties of serviceberries, including some dwarf varieties like 'Prince William' which my nursery told me grows to a max of about 8' T x 6' W. Even if they grow larger, I'm told they can be pruned every couple of years to help contain the growth, they are large shrubs that become tree-like after all. I think a serviceberry would give you the best 3 season intrest with flowers in the spring, berries in the summer, and pretty foliage in the fall that would look nice against your light house color. The bare tree is a nice sculptural accent in the winter. All of this and you would also have entertainment from the birds as they fly in and gobble up the berries while you sit on your porch! They're edible for people too although birds almost always will beat you to them. The roots of a serviceberry are not invasive so you can plant anything you like under and around a serviceberry without trouble. Being planted so close to your house it's good to know the roots will not damage foundations either. I don't suggest a Korean Spice Viburnum as the main focal point of the bed because I have several and although they bloom and smell beautiful, the rest of the year they are rather boring - just green. Redbuds are ok but again, they don't have any berries for the birds so after flowering you're left with just green. Keep in mind you probably won't get to enjoy very early blooming trees too much as they often bloom so early it's still chilly to be outside. I also wouldn't recommend the maple (any maple really) because you have so little room and maple roots ultimately become a real pain. They will take over and make it difficult if not impossible for you to plant under them. I don't know if you've ever tried to dig a bed under a maple but it's impossible, ask anyone who's ever tried it! Maple roots can also be invasive to foundations and this bed is very close to your home. Seven Son Flower is pretty but I honestly don't know much about it so I can't comment. I am all for any Ginkgo as they are one of my favorite trees! I find the leaf shape highly ornamental and there are varigated varieties for lots of color. The fall color can't be beat! There are many dwarf varieties. If you like something different try looking at Song Sparrow's web site: www.songsparrow.com they have lots of interesting things including Ginkgos, just type in Ginkgo in the search bar and you'll see them all. I've included a link to the page of a favorite of mine below. Best of luck, G.O. Here is a link that might be useful: GINKGO BILOBA 'MAJESTIC BUTTERFLY'

John, I thought of that palm but wondered about the lack of sunlight all winter long. What do you think of those conditions Rhizo, that's why I suggested that a Pindo be planted in a raised bed affording good drainage. I think it would be fine in a protected location with little direct sunlight, as long as it isn't sitting there all winter with wet feet. I'd also recommend that they start with the largest specimen that their budget will allow. Will a Pindo provide a tall enough canopy to sit/walk under? No, not for many, many years, unless you're willing to spend big $$$ for a huge specimen that would most likely have to be professionally installed. The best trunking cold hardy palm that will grow quickly would be a windmill (Trachycarpus fortunei), and it would indeed be more forgiving of your winter low light conditions. Two other bush, shrub type palms that would still give you a tropical look would be a sabal minor or a needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix). They're not trunking, but are extremely cold hardy & would still thrive in spite of a lack of wintertime direct sunlight. If you decide to visit ColdPalms as Rhizo suggested, I would strongly recommend that you take along a good picture of the area you're wanting to landscape & of course detail the growing conditions to them as you have here. They're very knowledgeable about palms & have a huge inventory to choose from. I'm sure they would be able to help you select the right one for your location.

Don't forget about Marsh Marigold, Boltonia, the Asters, Cup Plant, Obedient Plant, Veronicastrum, Iron Weed, Rudbeckias, Button Bush, Helenium,,, and there still must be more. You're actually lucky to have that wet spot with so many species to use for filler.

i agree with jakkom. Rhamnus "John Edwards" trained as a column from 5 gallon can, will grow quite fast. Acca sellowiana Pineapple Guava, especially if you buy it already trained as a standard . I have Prunus compacta as well, and it was been much slower growing than rhamnus. Pittosporum heterophyllum, or tobira. Arbutus grows slow unless you start with specimen sizes, you might be waiting for screening for a while. If you are willing to wait, there is also manzanita, arctostaphylos "Dr. Hurd."