Does anyone know anything about gardening?

We have a now dead ornamental cherry and I'm looking for a replacement.

I think it died either due to the fuck-tonne of water that soaks our garden for much of the rainy months. Or because I cut into part of the roots when planting bulbs causing an infection. Or both. Or just general bad luck and desease.

I would ideally like another slim ornamental cherry, but open to other options.

Criteria:

• Heavy clay soil
  
• Waterlogged through winter
  
• West facing garden on the north side of garden (but once it grows it will get decent sun for the first part of the day)
  
• not too wide
  
• height wise I'm less fussed as long as its not too dense
  
• Would be nice if it was early flowing
  
  

Left field idea is creating a raised play platform with some sort of bamboo and ferns growing up through. Although I have some reservations about neighbourhood cats, mice and foxes congregating underneath.

What is used to look like vs now