I wonder how Illicium parviflorum or floridanum would work in this situation? I've got a wet backyard too and plan to try those two. Will also plant some other shrubs in a raised bed to see how well that works. Osmanthus heterophyllus will be one, love the scent of that in the Fall.

See if you like the look of cryptomeria -- like a lacy conifer without any cones.

The holly-leaf osmanthus mentioned above is very good--nice odor is more conspicuous than the blooms.

Both of these plants will hide a fence.

Thanks for the recommendations, gardengal48! I'm not opposed to flowers in general. I actually prefer that to the green blob look. I just want to avoid the messy ones in particular.

A few of the plants you listed would be real contenders except that they cal for well-drained soil - and that's where I wonder if, as a newbie, I might be misinterpreting that requirement. Our soil is definitely dense clay and water would pool for weeks before the yard was properly graded. I see plants growing all around though in the same less-than-ideal soil and I have yet to see a plant description that calls for "poorly drained soil". How big of a deal is "well-drained" soil?

Thanks for the ideas, Tom. Your garden is going to smell amazing! Raised beds are definitely something to consider. The illicium species were looking really good but it turns out that they are toxic to people and dogs. :( The osmanthus would be really nice though if the raised beds work out. Thanks!

Thanks for the suggestions, The Logician LLC. The cryptomeria is actually a really neat tree - I had not come across that one yet. Do you know anything about controlling the size of it? Is it complicated? The Wikipedia page showed examples ranging from bonsai to giant sequoia size and I need something in between. ;)

Water pooling for several weeks is a big deal, but you imply that your yard is now properly graded.

The mature cryptomeria "Elegans" I see around here get to 20 feet, mine is about 15 feet after 12 years and looks to be slowing down. About 8 feet wide at base. Does not like to be crowded. Mine is in part shade.

The osmanthus gets as tall, but is easy to keep top-pruned.

If, after grading you have standing water, somebody made a mistake or they're not finished. Have you considered using that water to make a pond, or at least a rain garden? Getting control of the water is paramount in landscaping. Every contour should have it in mind, even if it's just seepage.

The yard has been properly graded. There is no standing water. I only mentioned the previous issue to illustrate the density/compactness of the soil.

It is pretty easy to lighten a heavy soil to reduce compaction and improve drainage. Ponding or standing water - even in our damp and recently very wet climate - indicates something is not right. Either grading is off or you need a French drain installed.

Not all that many conifers will be tolerant of poorly draining soils. If your yard already looks like a "mini Christmas tree farm", then drainage can't be too bad :-) And you can always create small mounds or berms of soil in the areas you want to plant if you think drainage is too bad.

There are, indeed, several species of native shrubs/smaller trees that thrive along creeks and in seasonally flooded areas, specifically because they like soggy feet. For instance, ninebark. Maybe try doing a bit of research into PNW natives that like these kinds of conditions? Natives have the added benefit of being lower-maintenance, since you're in their home zone to begin with. Good luck!