Blue Start Juniper! Thanks! That grows here, the others you suggested won’t, but I like the idea of a clump of Iris in there, too.
I was also thinking a few of the smaller Hydrangea.
I think this may end up being a Hybrid Japanese/Cottage Garden, LOL!
Meh! Who cares? I’m the one that will be looking at it most of the time, from the kitchen sink window! ;)
Look up Dukes Garden Japanese Plum Yew. If this shrub grows in your zone, you might enjoy it. I love using it.