How do lilacs do in your neck of the woods? Luis

Abelia mosanensis is z5 hardy and as fragrant as a lilac, but lower growing. I'd also look into fothergillas, clethras, viburnum carlesii and its hybrids, and itea virginica. All gorgeous, most with pretty fall foliage, and all fragrant!

Check out Michael Dirr's book on Trees and Shrubs or a similar shrub guide for more ideas!

Jim

Is that lavender in the foreground? And what about that pretty little orange-leafed tree--is that a redbud? Or styrax obassia maybe? Am asking because I think it's important to know how big your tree would get and what the other things are. What you have so far is really pretty! 'Mare

Jimshy knows his stuff, but without knowing what the other things are, I might also add a nice healthy clump of iris pallida Variegata for the contrast in color and foliage texture. I think the strappy foliage would look cool with the fine texture of the lavender-like stuff and the large leaves of your tree. And the scent is out of this world. Just a thought.

Here is a link that might be useful: Iris pallida Variegata