Where are you in the world? Do plants go into dormancy during the winter there?

Sorry @ Blueberry (and thanks for pointing out). Gardengal is right - I am in pnw zone 8b. I will it in my user name because once in a while I forget.

Thanks gardengal for the suggestions!! These give me lots of options. I did not think of vine maple as an option… I am ashamed to say I don’t have one, living in the pnw (I get bogged down by the cultivars).

Unless you are looking for a very specific attribute, any cultivar of vine maple - and especially the straight species - is a great little tree for an urban PNW garden.

I like Japanese persimmons as a feature tree in small spaces. They have few pests or diseases and seem to take the scorching East winds with little damage. Also there is fruit, which one can harvest or leave hanging for the birds.

for most of us.. plants are dormant.. or near dormant in winter.. the declination of the sun dictates slower growing period.. regardless of temps ... ergo.. they dont need as much light as during the prime growing season ... so i would consider you space full sun during the growing season.. and not restrict my plant choice for this reason ..

also.. if there is blue sky above.. its a different kind of shade... and also doesnt much limit plant choice .... if you have overhanging limbs and what not.. its a dark intense shade.. which could effect plants.. but with blue sky.. there arent many limitations... dont ask me why.. just take my word for it.. shortened to..because i said so.. lol ..

ken

Thank you Iochroma and Ken_adrian! There is definitely blue sky above.

I am intrigued by the suggestion of the persimmon. Might have to try it out.