How do y'all decide the balance between dead heading for more blooms or letting flowers go to seed for the benefit of local birds? I have one of the few flower gardens on my block and the only native garden, so pretty much all of my flowers are beneficial seeds so I want to support them, but it would also be nice to get more blooms.

I'm in southeast Michigan, hardiness zone 6b, and if like to add a small or mid size evergreen to my yard for some winter interest, any suggestions?

I also have a large yew I'd like to replace with something comparable to maintain a little porch privacy, I'm thinking either a smoke bush or witch hazel, any others I should consider?