From the pic provided... maybe put up a gate between the shed and the house to block the view across the street.

I have no idea what you are asking about I see nothing that relates to the question Show us where the shrubs were removed at least .

We need pictures of the whole layout.

I apologize for not taking the pictures correctly. I will try again.

I meant the greenery that you see going around the courtyard.

I am calling it "shrubs" but could be calling it incorrectly. It was previously full but now is sparce in areas where they removed large. portions of it.

Perhaps these are better photos?

I am just realizing the original photos did not upload.

Oh wow that’s awful. You should have removed the whole shrub. You can’t fix that.

Here is what I posted originally. You can imagine a walkway from the car and the greenery follows a square shape around the courtyard.

I am looking for ideas to close up the missing spaces to maintain privacy. As well as ideas on how to design to create an entertaining space in the courtyard area.

I would remove all the shrubs around the patio and have a horizontal cedar fence/privacy wall done.

Can you show a screenshot of the house from above? Do you need screening on all sides?

Agree with removing all shrubs and getting a fence

Depending on what the shrubs are (the photos aren't good enough for me to tell) they may fill back in on their own.

Hopefully thus helps for an aerial viewpoint. This is the best I can get as there is only one set of windows on the back of the house upstairs.

Two panoramic views

If you can imagine, continuing to walk past the sparse area is this view.

Rip out all the shrubs. Install a privacy fence.

Here are some suggestions:

Maybe replace with decorative fence panels?

Do you need privacy? What is your budget?

I would start with a power wash to those patio tiles. before cutting the shrubs you have, come with a image of what you would like?

More shrubs, less shrubs, what kind of shade do you want? People do this all the time, they cut back thinking it will improve and discover they need to come up with a plan. This is okay, you can fix this area to be a lovely oasis. But first what do you want? Any inspiration photos? What climate do you live in? Do you have pets or small children? There are some shrubs that can be fatal if eaten by animals or children? Bamboo is great in some climates but can take over in others.

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I would like this to be an outdoor entertaining but relaxing space. I'd like to keep the shade because the sun at some times during the day shines directly down on the patio ( had to cut tree limbs back off of the house). I live in Maryland suburbs and we get all 4 seasons of weather. I'd like to keep some shrubs if it helps with cost but not opposedto removingthem if necessary. Something modern with lighting to entertain in the spring, summer and fall. And no to low maintenance if possible. We have no pets or little children to worry about. Although we have rabbits and deer that run past that I enjoy watching. However, I prefer they not be in our space. 😆

Thanks so much to all of you who have given constructive feedback that is useful. I had no idea what I was doing or even how to explain it. The pictures and prompts you've sent has given me an idea and visual of what could be. I am a visual person and could not fathom what it should look like. Thanks for the reassurance.

@tybates You will create a nice space. The first step is to identify what you want the space for.

Shade? Enjoying the patio with a table, maybe some privacy..

1) Identify what you want

2) Draw a little plan with measurements on paper

3) Think about function, Grilling, eating, Sitting, Swaying in a hammock, Storing trash....

4) Privacy. Do you need it or want it?

5) Then think about budget. What can you afford, where do you want to spend? Fences can be pricey but a good fast growing bamboo or english laurel or hawthorn bush...

Once you have measured draw it out and then ask the houzzers if they have any ideas...

wishing you some direction and fun as you create this sweet space.

Thanks Boxerpal! I will do as suggested.