What's your zone and nearest city? Given the size of the yard, I'd put vines up the fence. I can't recommend any without knowing your zone (or if you live in a climate different from New England's.

What are the shrubs in the front yard and how big will they grow?

Hi Sigrid. I'm in Houston, o a pretty hot and humid climate. I'm not sure what the shrubs are but they won't grow much more.

Possibly boxwood and they should be moved to the front of the bed. You need something tall and evergreen behind them with yellow foliage for contrast, like a dwarf conifer, if that area doesn't get full sun.

I would set up the side yard as a little dining area where the chairs face each other around a small table instead of having you stare at the fence. Nestle some pavers in the gravel as your patio. I wouldn't plant anything in the ground with your hot climate made even hotter with gravel. Use containers set on the gravel and hanging baskets on the fence.

I would've started the gravel further away from the air conditioner so you could've planted a foundation shrub in the soil and screened the a/c from view of the seating area.

Thanks Eileen! This is great advice!