Here is the space

You should hire an landscape architect as that hillside is a prime landslide in the making IMHO. All it would take is a forest fire followed by heavy rains and that hillside is going to give way.

About 30 miles northeast of us a whole hillside collapsed about 15 months ago wiping out an entire neighborhood after record rainfall last spring.

Thanks everyone! Especially love the idea of hosting a local meeting. If they love a challenge we have much much more.

Are you near a canyon... Any issues with fire?

Yes there are. We are in foothills of the San Gabriel's. The fire dept came by last week and didn't have any major concerns, especially after we removed sumac, dead trees and weed whacked all weeds. They suggested vegetation for stability but said it wasn't in bad shape in their opinion (fire). Thanks!

For the fence, I'd plant Trumpet vine, aka https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campsis_radicans. It's a native and so tough and vigorous it grows untended alongside freeways in Northern California. The leaves are fresh and green, and the huge red blooms attract hummingbirds. It is hardy to an extent.....

So you are one step ahead of me with the fire department. I know there is specific ways to plant to reduce risk of your home being threatened with fire. I'd still research that on your own. You can take off the wire and leave the posts of the fence, using the posts for another fence. That will at least freshen up the space and hide some of what is on the other side! There is nothing good about a wire fence unless it separates you and a guard dog at a junk yard. Go to a local nursery to see what ground cover you can throw down, neglect and will grow on its own! I think if you add a new fence, the plant boxes will show off better and be less of a concern.

Contact your local extension service, they should have some local Master Gardeners who can come out and teach you about the plants you already have and make suggestions about what will grow well in your local area - and what is drought tolerant so you don't have to water it. They are also familiar with local fire code as far as whether or not certain plants can be planted in proximity to your house. Here's a link: http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/