Hi Deanna, no size restriction is great. I built a Spirit Garden after my spouse died and knew it had to be mostly evergreens to embrace our spirits. Each to his/her own, but for me, dwarf evergreens, including tsuga (hemlock) as the high point of the design, Japanese maple Emperor, Jap forest grass, Hinoki false cypress, pinus sylvestris, aurea, et al, built to hug the walk-in visitor worked for me. I'm in zone 6, but the Am. Conifer Society, O'Brien Nursery in CT, Broken Arrow Nursery in CT, Carol's Collectibles (nursery) - in Swanville, Maine, outside Belfast - good refs for what you're looking for. What will grow best in the spot and how does she want it to feel year round? Best to all.

Jane

thanks for the suggestions, Jane. t opens up the idea of it being a many-year project, too, that can grow beyond just one tree. Your spirit garden is beautiful!