The first question would be "Does your neighbor spray Roundup or other chemicals on the lawn?" If so, it could be difficult to grow veggies.

The terraced gardens look great! Perhaps you could incorporate some kind of a trellis along the side between you and the neighbours so that you can grow beans, cukes and tomatoes.

The neighbor spraying would not affect your plants unless he sprays directly on your plants. Weed killers must be sprayed on the plants. Brush killers can be applied to soil and have a lasting effect, but I'm sure your neighbor isn't using brush killer on his own lawn and landscape beds, as this would decimate his landscape. Brush killer is for alleyway and areas where one wants nothing to grow.

What you should start working on is a PLAN. Right now your idea is vague in the extreme. Where specifically? How large? What shape? Doodle it out (reasonably accurately) on a plan and show us what you're thinking. Then we could respond with constructive criticism.

I've not grown kale but it sounds like one of those plants that may not look very good at certain times of the year. If that's true, would you want it in the front yard, near to where the neighbors get to see it ...?

Also, and importantly, what kind of budget are you allotting for this project?

Thank you all for your input so far! Right now our neighbors don’t do anything to their yard other than mow it, but I suppose that could change at some point...

My post is vague because I really have no clue how to design something that blends into the property line that would look nice and not abrupt. After posting this I found a local landscaping company that also designs gardens so I’m waiting to hear back from them on how much they charge for a consultation/design plan...

@CA Kate, I have to respond making the presumption that applicators of herbicide use proper techniques and follow manufacturers instructions. If an applicator doesn't, there's no telling the possibilities that can occur. There are methods to control drift, including waiting for a less windy day if that's what is needed. If a neighbor doesn't control their herbicide application, there will be evidence and one must get after them about it ... like any other neighbor dispute. But to presume that drift will happen, when it may never happen, is to short-circuit all manner of possibilities. I never said drift is impossible. But one can't presume it is guaranteed or a unavoidable.

Nicole, there's nothing particularly difficult about preparing a simple base plan that shows the walk, drive, curb, house footprint and maybe a few tree trunks, which would have everyone understanding the space. More than likely you have a plan you can trace in your home closing documents. Some people enlarge a google earth drawing to use for making a base plan. If you rely on some locals and think that just by throwing some money at them, you'll end up with something wonderful .... well, that's a crap shoot. Be sure to investigate samples of their DESIGN work to see if it is what you like.

Any terracing that you did on the slope would effect drainage from the neighbor's property.

#1 - Do the terraces in stone.

#2 - Curve the stone walls so they go from the property line to the driveway working with, not against, the existing contour. You should be able to enter the terraces for gardening from the driveway.

Two terraces should do it. The upper one at sidewalk level, next level down, then back to lawn at the entry level.