Three feet tall is too tall; you need to stick with plants that will stay low and not grow to block your windows. You might plant them on the far tight end where they only cover the brick, not windows. It will be worth it to let a nursery or a landscape architect draw up a planting plan that you can install over several seasons. Meanwhile, if you want to enhance the curb appeal, consider replacing the four pencil posts under your portico with some beefy ones that look like they're up to the job of supporting the portico. I'd advise something square like these.