You could try sweet peas (there are perennial types). I'm starting some from seed this spring in fact.

Also Morning glorys are easy from seed. And there are the
old standby Hollyhocks.

Most really tall flowering plants you would probably have to do from seed. Clematis is tricky I think.

But there are ivy's, and other vines like that. Those would be available in stores. If this is in full sun? Try some green beans!

You could do bushes in front of the fence... upright cedars are pretty elegant (but they would cost more money in the beginning.)

What are your watering potentials there? Can you reach with a hose? If you cannot water, you'd have to have something that likes dry conditions. I'd consider light and water first, then move on to the other choices based on those.

Hmmm, I hadn't thought about cedars. Green beans, lol! The fence is only about 4' high. Maybe some corn!

Yes, it is full sun and yes, we can drag a hose.

If I can figure out how to do it, I'll post a "before" picture.

Hollyhocks or sunflowers will grow higher than your 4' fence, and you can stake if needed. The morning glory or perennial sweet peas sound good to cover the fence itself.

My hollyhocks get about5-6 ft high, but check what kind of sunflowers, as they vary in height depending on the kind you get. Some get 12-15 ft high.

I find Lowe's and Menard's are good for inexpensive trees and shrubs, if you want to go that route. I'm partial to purple sand cherry's, as they bloom in the spring and have red/purple foliage all summer/fall. They grow fairly quick, not too large, nice and graceful.

It's nice to get something that's already 4-5 ft high or better.

Hiya Twink! I haven't been able to get on the pc lately, but I'm still here

Did you consider Bamboo? There are many to choose from & in your climate I do not believe they are likely to run rampard?? I planted a 30' x 2' living fence of the "Black Bamboo". It will take a few years to establish itself but then will go wild on me here in the south...so I had to dig in a barrier 3' down also. Mine is growing at about 15' but even the taller ones will stop growing at the point they are cut from & then produce side shoots to fill in.

Another idea...raised beds...that way you can plant even shorter growing plants.

Please DO show before & afters pics!

Hehe! I hang out too much at Home Depot! I forgot to use my 10% off discount coupon Saturday and I'm still mad!

I bought some brick edging for a flowerbed and some more plants. Still haven't planted any! (Too cold). We keep them in our garage and open the door when the afternoon sun is shining.

I have a landscaper coming tomorrow to have a look and then draw up some plans. We need some garden walls here and there because of a slope.

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll be back with more questions, I'm sure!