A general idea of the shape I have in mind — b&w photos make it a bit easier to see the overall composition. Not necessarily a large fountain, or these plants, but you get an idea of the rectangular area re-arranged around a circle with a focal point.
A smaller-scale version of the previous photo - circular planting around a recirculating fountain made from a pot. This would be easy to install and maintain.
If you don’t want to deal with running power to a fountain, a simple bird bath could be the focal point. Just fill with water daily in summer.
Another round arrangement of bird bath with tropicals.
Perhaps a short path to to the centerpiece with flagstones filled in with horseherb.
Butterfly ginger, variegated ginger, Japanese aralia, and root beer plant in deep shade
Strappy leaves of evergreen clematis would look great on the fence.
I really like this low bowl as a centerpiece fountain.
I like the foliage textures here. Blue pot makes a great focal point.
An empty pot can be a focal point too - with hoja santa and ferns below
Turk’s cap with bamboo muhly backdrop
Shrubby boneset / Fragrant mistflower is an excellent butterfly plant for part shade. Blooms in fall and usually stays evergreen.
Abutilon is a tall, narrow shrub, related to hibiscus, that does well in shade.
Mexican honeysuckle
For along the driveway: Lysimachia (aka golden globes) pairs well with ajuga — same height — and does great in locations with subsurface drip irrigation.
Incorporating summer dormant shade bloomers like this heartleaf skullcap can help provide year-round green ground cover.