I have a privacy fence in my back yard. The area is surrounded by old growth trees, which causes shade.

I'm in zone 7, consider this with what I have planted and had very good luck with. Sorry, no photos right now, but I'll try.

For structure along the fence I planted Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina). If you go with this, keep in mind that some get to be about 8ft. high (what I have), some get 5-6ft., still others get about 3ft. (I have this closer to the front). The taller ones have beautiful white flowers in spring, red berries in fall and winter that birds love. Foliage is green in warmer months, reddish in colder. It retains it's leaves all season which makes it really nice.

Around the Heavenly Bamboo, I planted Camellias, Day Lilies, Daises, Hosta (4-5 different sizes and colors). I also have very large pots with Rose Of Sharon that I keep trimmed.

I installed my fence myself. I wanted something different and that's what I got. It looks very nice and it's something I'm happy with. The trick is to install your ideas with what will work. Avoid straight lines for borders, plant and use pots in odd numbers, and stagger paintings. I documented the amount of sun, shade etc. to see how many hours the area got. That really helped me choose correct plants.

You can call your local extension service, they will be able to help you.

Good luck!

SG