Thanks for your suggestions. I am located in Ontario, Canada. The backyard is west facing and it gets full sun beginning in the early afternoon. The area behind the fence is fully shaded as a result of the ravine. Any plant suggestions would be appreciated both in front of and behind the fence. Thanks again.

I think you should post a picture taken from farther back or from a different direction that let's us know where the house figures into this.

I see the fence(s) as canvas. I would put some garden theme tin signs on the smaller fence, and plant some climbing roses on the back one.

I think it could be dealt with best by being part of a landscape of the area, as opposed to being a singular task of what to do with the fence. If you do not want to landscape then I like the idea above of decorating the fence.

Thanks for all of the great ideas. Keep them coming!! Here is another picture to demonstrate where our home figures to this area. As you can see we have a walk out basement and a Deck area with interlock just before the area in question. My initial thoughts were to extend the interlock to the fence and then add a fireplace to hide the fence. Doing this would leave us with very little grass for the kids to play on so I am not convinced this is the best solution. We are also thinking of adding some privacy trees around the perimeter of our fence. Someone suggested swamp cedars perhaps?

Emmarine - we do want to landscape the backyard. Adding roses or shrubs to the area sound like great options. Could someone recommend types that would do well in my location? The specifics are noted above. Thanks again.

If you grew a large flowered clematis on the fence, you could turn it into a green, low maintenance "hedge." The first plant that comes to mind is Jackmanii.

I like what Yardvaark said. . . and maybe extend some bushes in the corner to soften the corner a bit.

Embellishing it a little further, could see a small flowering tree for adding some atmosphere, shade and privacy ... and some groundcover and perennials in addition to vine on fence

Yardvaark I love your idea. Any suggestions as to what to do with the sloped area behind the fence? I am not a visual person so pictures help. Also what type of plants would you recommend? I am new to the gardening world so any direction would be welcome!

I was thinking that the area looked like an access area which you would keep clear of plantings. If it is not, then post a picture that shows this area better. I would stand in line with it (from the side) and back far enough that the picture will capture space to its right and left.

Hi Yardvaark here is a picture that shows the area behind the fence. Any ideas on what to do with this area?

You mentioned that you have kids--that fenced spot could be a cool kids' play area if the slope isn't too steep. The fence (with vine growing on it to make it more attractive) makes a nicely separated zone and could help keep balls and toys in a defined area. Depending on how old they are and what their interests are, I could imagine a soccer goal, a sandbox, a toy basketball hoop, a place to corral rolling toys, a play house or fort...

It depends on your needs. Do you need a utility area in which to hide things? Or a place for kids things? Or would it be better to plant a large flowering shrub that grows higher than the fence and creates additional interest?

If you have a bed in front of the c.l. fence, it's possible to lessen the length of the fence run so that it doesn't penetrate into the yard so much. You could shorten it by as much as 1/3 or 1/2, depending on the width of the bed that acts to protect people from getting too close to the drop off.

I would love to add a utility area behind there like a a garden shed or perhaps a step garden. I have checked high and low for photos ideas on the internet on how this would look. We already have a toy storage area elsewhere in the backyard. my neighbors with a steeper drop built a walk in shed. I cannot do that...mine would need to be integrated some other way.....

If you would love a shed, why are you saying you can't do it? ...because of legal restrictions, physical ... or other?

Behind us is conservation land so there are set back requirements.

Ontario has a lot of USDA zones. Could you let us know which zone you are in?

We are in usda zone 5