Ferns, shaded plants, dirt, paint, any help

Looking for shade loving low maintenance plants. My friend is in a wheelchair and wants to enjoy her yard more so I am turning an old desk into planter art piece that she will be able to enjoy. The area it will be placed in is shaded almost all day. I also don’t want her to have to stress about too much watering or pruning or having to replant things next year. My funds are pretty low being an artist and taking the time to help her is also cutting into my funds a bit. Sny ideas, plants, paint or paint supplies, and anything fun that could be added to this art piece…. really Anything would help! Thanks for taking the time to read ????????????