Use additional clay adapted* shrubs, particularly around the edges and at the back - so the fences aren't so visible, the planting so low and flat (for the most part). The way it is now, with mostly small and low plants it looks like you are still just getting started. And a higher proportion of shrubs would reduce the need for weeding.

Also plant things that will grow over the top of the wall and soften it.

Improve the soil conditions by mulching instead of digging in organic material. And if you have been planting new shrubs in amended planting hole back-fill, start using the existing soil - without modification - to fill the holes instead.

*The flowering maple and daphne probably found the soil to be too heavy, apart from Abutilon often being comparatively ephemeral anyway

I'm so jealous of your wall. I would love to have something for flowers to drape over and the backdrop of the stone is a lot of fun.

Posie and Embrothium, thank you!

I am trying to be waterwise, and so am limiting myself to low water requirement plants for most part. I'd love some year round color, which the abutilon, which were about 5 feet, did provide. I do see what you all mean about adding some height to the area behind the wall. The rest of the yard is mostly lavender, yarrow, oakleaf hydrangeas, carpenteria, a few fruit trees, veggie beds and my water indulgence is several beds of roses in the front.

Thanks to all your feedback, I know now to look for taller flowering shrubs!

The fences were left intentionally visible as we have a creek running behind them and I didnt want to block off the view, while keeping my dog in and the critters running along the creek out. I do have some lacy native clematis, and taller oak leaf hydrangeas along the back where we do need some screening.

Any suggestions for taller flowering shrubs that might be California native, or drought tolerant?

KC

Take a trip to Annies Annual. I bet they can help you. I love looking at their site. I bet ideas would proliferate just googling her.

That is a nicely done but weird wall. I wonder what the original idea was for that. Is it large enough to make a separate enclosure out of the area like a secret room? Just a hare brained idea. How many of us became life long gardeners after reading that book as a child? I do think finding a visual purpose for the wall is needed and then to make the plantings agree. That could mean more hardscaping like a back wall to make a raised pond with tall arching shrubs and trees behind it. The back wall would Also allow raised bed , a change of level. Or a raised sitting area with tall plantings behind it. It could be even higher creating a back drop and rectangular or radius curved association with the front wall. It would create a little more devision from your neighbor and street... God I am good at spending your money. LOL. The designer in me is just dreaming off the cuff.

"Any suggestions for taller flowering shrubs that might be California native, or drought tolerant?"

Ceanothus (California lilac), manzanita, correa, cistus, euryops, callistemon, leptospermum, Grevillea, lavender, rosemary, pretty much any shrubby salvia......the list goes on and on :-))

If you don't already have a copy, get your hands on a copy of Sunset's Western Garden Book. It is an invaluable resource for anyone gardening along the Pacific coast and provides listings of plants suitable for various gardening situations....as in drought tolerance :-)