We need to see photos that illustrate the existing conditions. And something more specific location-wise than just "northeast". That covers much too wide an area to be helpful.

Central/north new jersey

I'd smother the grass in front of your house (which will take a bunch of months) and then get plugs from The Pollen Nation, which is in NJ and has a lot of natives.

Cardboard and newspaper is good to smother weeds and grass, and does not need to be removed, it turns to compost because they use soy based inks nowadays. Cover it with wood chips to disguise it.

I’m totally confused…. You said you wanted to add flowers along the (white?) “picket” fence? Or do you mean the chain-link metal fence to the right of the house in the 2nd photo? Can you show a better photo of the fence line area? Your driveway is very narrow, and I can’t see any room there for plantings. Driveway appears to go back to a garage, and there is only about one foot between the fence and the side of the garage door. Any flowers would be stepped on by anyone getting in or out of the driver’s side! If you meant the metal fence, please give us some better pictures. If the metal fence, how long a bed? Is that a path to somewhere along the right side? If you want to hide the metal fence, vines like clematis are hardy in your area, and might help.