Sorry for the late response , been out planting garden.
Because of the Buddha I would keep it simple
Maybe a light colored ground cover
Because of zone differences I don't know what you have available there
Something golden and creeping
If you want flowers I would use moss rose (a single color) It is an annual but would most likely self seed in your climate.
Show us a photo when you get it planted and let us know what you did with your space
