Not sure how this would do in your zone, but consider a Carolina Jessamine or a Confederate Jasmine. Both are vines, easily controlled.

What do you mean "the berries and blooms concern me"?

When we had a pool, daily skimming took care of things.

HTH.

Mother Nature really should turn her attention to hybridizing plants on demand designed for those difficult situations so often encountered by wishful property owners dreaming the impossible dream.

Eric, I have kicked around in this landscape business for many years searching for plants that do not shed blossoms, seeds, leaves, fruits or attract bees and wasps, etc. The spot you are describing is not suitable for plants unless you are willing to clean up after them. Mother Nature really has a very clever growing plan. Plant litter which drops to the ground cold composts encouraging the development of nutritious fungi which in turn plants utilize for healthy growth. And on it goes.

You are describing a very narrow planting area. Sky pencil holly probably will work best as they take well to pruning when their width outgrows the allotted space. Or, Skyrocket juniper is another consideration which takes shearing well.