Here's a pic

Is it total shade now? What usda zone?

Odd. In our area 6" is the max. Is 9 " within your areas zoning laws?

Virginia creeper plant, or grape vines make a nice living wall.

Mary we need to know your USDA zone.

The fact is the most recent version is a great way for me I love you so much

Most fence laws throughout the country have a set height limit for artificial fences in residential areas which have a restriction to max 3' for front yards because of visibility issue and they have to be set so much back from the sidewalk and max 6'-7' in backyards (6' for most jurisdictions). Your best bet is to check with your local ordinance set by your city or county and sometimes they have subdivision rules which called "Covenants-Conditions-Restrictions" which also regulate fencing. Also keep in mind the height of the fence is measured from the lowest ground surface to the top of the fence.

Good luck

GN Builders is correct. Check with local municipality.

Folks, she didn't put up the fence so she doesn't own it. She should avoid planting anything that will attach itself to the fence and possibly damage it. Anything climbing should be attached to something that she installs.

In regards to the fencing regulations, each area is different. Ours is 8' in rear or side yards, 6' in secondary front yards (corner lots) and 42" in front yards (decorative only). However, I don't think she's asking if it is violating any ordinance or covenant, just how she can break up the mass.

I am zone 7 and it gets a good mix of sun and shade throughout the day. Folks are right- not my fence so need something planted next, not in it. I don't intend on pursuing anything with HOA etc- I like them enough and would rather NOT see into their busy yard- just don't want to stare at it from my side. Thanks for all the suggestions!

I've always liked redtips.

Call a landscaping company, review their portfolio and speak to some of their client's. If possible, view some of their projects. Then when you find someone that you can work with, get a plan. Be upfront with them: you may just want ideas and a plan (which you should pay for obviously) and DIY the actual work of project, or you may want them to do the work either all at once or in phases. I have seen too many poorly planned, inappropriate planting schemes undertaken by folks who know nothing about gardening or plants to recommend that you just go for it. It will cost you, but the money you save replacing dead or struggling plants will likely balance out in the long run.