We'll need more information from you (a photo would be helpful too) -- what direction does your house face? How wide is this 20' long area? Does your roof overhang the area, or does rain/irrigation reach it?

I have more questions, but I'll stop at three! :)

I am told that in some areas you may not want shrubbery to touch the house. I don't know how you determine when and where this is a consideration.

I will provide more information when I get home from work. I appreciate the assistance. I am garden dumb!

Shrubbery touching the house is mostly a consideration when the house is facing north, because lack of sun may encourage molds and mildews on the siding/brick/etc. If there is air-space around each plant, molds do not seem to be as much of a problem although the "heavy" [thickly grown] shrubs will not have a lot air moving through which means any rain or watering will take longer to evaporate. Also take into consideration whether the house is in an area prone to high humidity, which again encourages unmentionables on the house's side.

Locally, we advise enough space to walk comfortably between house and any shrub that more than 18" tall.

Deeje asked 3, so if you have time, I'll ask another 3:

What is the soil like [clay-ey, stoney, sandy]? Do you want perennials or annuals or a combination? Does your area have water restrictions or something similar that should be taken into consideration?