I wouldn’t recommend planting anything right next to the house. If grass won’t grow there, why do you think a BlackBerry would? I know you provided a lot of pictures, but most are too close. Back up 20 feet or so so we can see what’s already there in the area.

try rosemary if the soil is well draining

stupid question but can you encase an air conditioner like that? isn't that a fire hazard?

I don't mind rosemary. it certainly is tough but it doesn't look very nice.

Doesn’t look very nice? in what way? Evergreen, few pests, scented, winter flowering, can be pruned ad infinitum .....

not a fire hazard, lost of people like to have a decorative cover like that. You can't tell from his photo, but there wouldn't be a top to it, so just a lattice that is kept about 6" - 12" off of the unit itself. I would recommend the patio/landing spot there. Then if you have the room, you could put a small tree or some kind of hedge plant.

How loud are the air conditioners? Might not be a good quiet area to enjoy. If your grass won’t grow, you may need to test the soil.

yeah, I just the area to not look a total eye soar and a complete waste of space in my yard. I like gardening and was thinking about putting in some fruit trees. I also love the idea of covering the air con.

Don't plant blackberries or, in a few years, you won't be able to get near the air conditioner.

When we lived in Dallas, a neighbor had a hedge of pomegranates that did quite well.

You don't want anything that is going to draw more snakes. I heard that ammonia is good to keep them away.

Good point about enclosing the ac unit. I’ve always heard that it makes the ac work extra hard to draw in air, which in turn drives up your electric bill. (Don‘t plant anything too close either for the same reason.)