Grow zone 7a need ideas for a tree/bush/something

[Ashley Hester]

We are in North East Tennessee zone 7a. I need ideas for something to be planted in this ring we made for a previously failed attempt at planting something. Looking for a tree/bush/anything that might help the aesthetics of our garden boxes. We don’t always plant the same vegetables each year and we don’t always plant them in the same spaces either. The lilies are not going to be moved (unless I can get some help on how to relocate them without killing them). I’m at a loss as to what would look good and be functional at the same time. We have a young son and a 5 month old Shih tzu puppy.
Also the size of the circle is not permanent. It can and will be changed as whatever is planted grows. Any suggestions??

 

[Ashley Hester]

I realize now the lilies can’t be seen in the picture. Here’s a side view of the area.

 

[Chuck]

How about a fruit tree?

 

[Twigs]

Maybe a dogwood tree or Blueberry bush.

 

[The Preserver]

What's your soil like? A Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria Araucana) would add some nice contrast to your garden. Maybe a Japanese Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys Verticillata) if you want a smaller, slower growing tree. Both trees are well adapted to your local climate. Most nurseries do not carry these exotics, so I'll give you some help.

The Monkey Puzzle can be bought here: https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/products/monkey-puzzle-tree

and here: https://www.thetreecenter.com/monkey-puzzle-tree/

Japanese Umbrella Pines can be bought here: https://gardengoodsdirect.com/products/umbrella-pine

 

[The Preserver]

Since I can't edit my posts after a certain period, I'm going to make a new one. I just found another nursery that not only carries one of my previously suggested species, but even has them in stock at the time of me writing this.

https://www.coniferkingdom.com/araucaria-araucana/

In the way of fruit trees, I know this other suggestion is kind of a Frankentree of sorts (having grafted branches and all), but I'm sure that a "dwarf fruit cocktail" tree would be pretty nice to have.

https://www.eburgess.com/store/5556-dwarf-fruit-cocktail-tree

If you would prefer a flowering ornamental, there's always Catalpas, Southern Magnolias, and Royal Empress Trees. Golden Chain Trees look nice, but I also hear that they are quite toxic. Happy shopping.