What area are you talking about? If you are talking about the area between the hive and the fence, then you will have a greater chance of being stung because bees feel threatened when people are in front of their hives.

Looks like you will have a very nice garden!

What you want to do is put a trellis fence around the hive so the bees fly above human height. We have 3 hives in our backyard and have done this. They really fly up and out of the human height area. I will take a picture tomorrow to post. You can also plant a vine on the trellis to make it pretty. You also want to make sure you have water available for them in the area so they do not go to neighboring pools, etc. I put a brick in the base of a large flower pot (12 inches in diameter) and they flock to the brick and drink.

Thanks Karen, a picture would be great! We actually have the same size area beside this, that's not in the picture, and I was considering doing what you're saying also. We have some ducks, so I'm trying to minimize their possibility of getting stung also

Unless you end up with a overly aggressive hive of bees (which can happen) you won't have to worry about getting stung all the time. Bees will forage up two 2-3 miles from the hive. If you face the hive another direction the bees will still be using your garden if there is something there that they want. If you are standing within a foot of the opening of the hive that can make some bees angry but I have often times stood with my face a few inches from the hive entrance observing what is going on with no problems.