Try the Garden Web Conifers forum.

Be sure to share info about your location.....soil type, etc. You might also post this in the Shrub Forum.

You have no room. Pretty much limited to things like arbs, upright holly (sky pencil) or Boxwood (dee runk, Graham blandy), or something like a different Korean lilac grafted standard.

Krnuttle, I think the OP is from Ontario, Canada; probably beyond the range of any evergreen Magnolia.

What about a smaller Japanese Maple? Oh, never mind, I see you want an evergreen. (I thought Japanese Maple because it can have seasonal appeal even though it is not evergreen.)

Probably more suggestions on the Conifer forum.

Yes I'm in Ontario, thanks for all the suggestions. I will ask in the conifers section.

Funny you mention Rose of Sharon krnuttle, we are putting one in on the other side. It's the only remaining piece to finish up that side, here's a Photoshop of our plan:

It looks boring in real life since everythings so small haha

I would suggest Feelin' Blue Deodar Cedar, staked up to grow upright. It is small and grows slow, and doesn't grow much taller than 6 from what I have read (may take 10 years to even reach that height). It is a little droopy, or has a weeping style to it. I think Monrovia has a variety called “Feelin' Sunny" not sure if they renamed it to sound more positive, or if it is a golden variety of feelin' blue

Maybe put in something with variegation, like a buxus or holly.

Himalayan Cedars are only rated hardy to Zone 6b/7.

i think the first question is whether you want a coniferous plant or broad-leaved evergreen of some kind. Everytime one in the latter category comes into mind, I think of potential problems. Had thought of evergreen Viburnums and a Dwarf Cherry Laurel (but they are magnets for bees..., and that seating area!)

What about a clumping (non-Spreading) bamboo. Some species of Fargesia should handle the Winters. Pay attention to your height issues with respect to the species.

This is Fargesia rufa.

Some of the Magnolia Grandiflora cultivars are reported to grow in Zone 6, New England, although they will have a much higher maintenance (to do winter protection) in this zone and become much bigger than the 6 feet required. (It also is a plant that is difficult to find here in Ontario, and we can’t buy from the States.)

I wonder if an evergreen rhododendron can fit the bill. Rhodies are quite hardy, low maintenance, and many cultivars remain compact. There is also the added benefit of having flowers in spring.

Wasabi, I have something of a Magnolia obsession (for both the evergreen and deciduous varieties). As you say, even it a M.g. were hardy, they are BIG trees. The ones I see sold around me (NJ/Zone 7) are considered among the best for cold but also SNOW LOADS (which is also a big time consideration..., especially in areas prone to HEAVY wet snow). The ones I see sold include Edith Bogue, Victorias, and Bracken Browns. But again, if they did survive they wanna dominate the site big time (horizontally too). Not a tree for winter interest but Magnolia virginiana is a terrific species. It has a very airy, open structure and the flowers are extremely aromatic (more so than the evergreen variety..., but much smaller). Good luck!