We would like to add some complementary variety to our two large south-facing perennial gardens. Zone 3b-4a

Are low-growing junipers a good choice for these kinds of settings? Such as nana, blue rug, and others? What would be the best choices for this location?

We would want to keep the evergreen short, less than a foot, so the perennials behind stand out, and be able to keep its width pruned back to maybe 3 feet x 2 feet without creating thick woody tips or mostly trunk and little foliage.

Also it would have to coexist nicely with the surrounding perennials--not having any kind of toxic effects.

A nice winter look would be a plus.

I'll attach a photo of the gardens and our current idea. The "after" photos show roughly what we have in mind.

All input greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

While I love the dwarf junipers you mention ( as well as the golden Mother Lode), I think dwarf conifers might be too rambunctious for your setting. I don't think dwarf junipers look great when they have to be pruned regularly to fit their space. Even though they're supposedly dwarf, they grow pretty fast. Just my opinion.

I will guarantee that you'll end up fighting the junipers off your walkway and they'll end up chopped and ugly.

That's a pretty bed. Have you considered large rocks, statuary or oversized pots or urns? They'll add textural interest and can provide interesting visual interplay as the surrounding plants change throughout the year. Plus low-maintanence!

A "look alike" is Blue Spruce, a Sedum. It can grow large patches, stands no more than maybe 6 inches, and you can just re-locate when you have enough. I love this plant as a groundcover. It also looks like a Blue Spruce. This is my cute "koi-fish" set up.

That looks like fish hunting above a coral reef!