IMO dogs and grass do not work well together and if a female dog for sure not. Why not think about a nice area for a dog run with grass if you must but there are great materials for dog runs where the ob of picking up poop is a lot easier too. . Can you just enlarge the deck that would be my chice then you would have room for outdoor dining and the seating area you show now and then some nice plantings along the fence and a spot for doggie too

You have a lot of fence. I'd focus on climbers/vines along the fence. A climbing rose, if you have the sun, an espaliered fruit tree if you're willing to train it. Otherwise, trellises at various points with vines that do well in your region and sun/shade, neither of which you've told us.

Hi- we're zone 10a- I mentioned in my initial post. Yes- it's a LOT of fence- I would like to break that up. We lean more towards a lot of greenery w a combo boho (plants/textures)/mid century design aesthetic

I think a sketch with approximate measurements would be helpful here, as well as more photos and a general region--zone designates how cold it gets but not how wet or what latitude, etc.

And of course your dog needs grass!

Sure- San Diego and we haven't closed yet so I will try to post once we get in/go back

Well then obviously you need an orange tree, a lemon, maybe a lime...oooh loquat! 😁 (I am projecting. I like these things. They smell nice, are pretty, and make food.) Citrus do make a nice hedge.

You'll have to see just what the neighbor's trees are and how shady they will make things.

Nice big potted somethings on the deck by the fence...

It's a blank slate but a good one. I think you have the makings of a really nice space.

Thank you!

I think we need to see the dog.

Be careful, yards are beautiful, but need watered in San Diego. Roses grow beautifully, but need about a gallon of water a day and the cost of water in San Diego is crazy high. If the tiered prices are deemed illegal (in dispute) the low end users are going to see significant increases in the price of water. You also only have about 7" of rain a year, so everything needs watered.

I had a huge rose garden that I loved when I lived in San Diego, but I would not plant if I were there today. I couldn't justify the cost to keep them all watered. I would have replaced most with other, less thirsty plants.

The high price of water and lack of rain may not be considered by people providing advice who are not in the area.

When I lived in San Diego I found the staff at Green Thumb Nursery in San Marcos to be exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful.

Create beds along the fence and put in some jasmine or bougainvillea or even climbing roses. Plant other shrubs/trees in front of the climbers.

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For Paul 🤣

@jennifer hogan - good tip on the nursery!!