Conside changing the line fo the planting / container area giving it some curves if the space allows. The wall would look totally different if it had a stone cap and a coat of stuccco in a color that ties into the design scheme either outside or drawing on something from the inside. If a cap and stucco are out of the questions consider some lattice panels in a contrasting color to the block.

We need more photos to give you advice. Do have any of the house so we can see the color and get a better sense of the space?

There's not much space between the steps and the planting beds so I'm sure you want to guard that as much as possible. Paint is a good option. The changes are instantaneous and reversible if not to your liking. Maybe switching out a lot of the plantings such that you have a variety of heights, widths, textures and colors. Consult a local nursery for ideas on what to plant and consider a color for the wall that would complement your After all, it's going to be a focal point.

Alternatively, since the masonry wall collects heat in the summer, if possible, how about planting some Asian Jasmine or some kind of wall creeping ivy to cover the wall. I'm sure your nursery could suggest contrasting plantings that would be appealing.

Good luck. This could be an exciting project.

I would put a tree in, something that is going to remain small, add some shade and create an upper contrast, some trees start there break at 6 feet and can be kept small, this would still give you room to move and break it up a bit

You might try painting the concrete block wall with a base cream color. Wait for that to dry before you apply a coat of glaze (Van Dyke Brown would work). It takes more elbow grease than money, and the results will look fantastic. To apply the glaze, make sure you thin it down to a consistancy that can be wiped off easily, leaving the glaze in the pourous areas of the concrete blocks as well as the mortar joints. It works well when one person appies the glaze, and a second person immediately wipes the glaze off. This application will give the wall a Country French feel. Be sure to check with you local paint specialist to get the proper exterior paint and glaze. Add a couple of trellises for climbing vines, and you'll have yourself a great backyard garden.

Where are you? State and USDA Hardiness Zone? I agree with the paint suggestions as a first step and since you're trying to break things up try the back wall in a different color than the side walls. Given that it gets hot, it sounds like a tree is a good idea to give some canopy over the space. Your staghorn fern will appreciate the relieve. If you're allowed to attach things to the wall, create a low profile lattice for the vines to grow on using stainless wire wrapped wapped around a grid of stainless screws embedded in the wall, maybe 1' o.c. Try adding a focal piece on the wall, a mirror, artwork, etc to help break things up as well. Good luck!

need to plant vertical like bamboo or palm if zone allows and you like a lush effect. - have your own little orchard, plant some espalier fruit trees like apple or lemon or else - on tree per wall is plenty to feed a family and more and enjoy the foliage all the time.

If you like a bold statement, think about a deep blue wall with some beautiful climbing roses or honeysuckle, lots of lavender growing in pots. Or find a book about Crete or Mykonos, and use the gorgeous white stucco with turquoise or azure pottery as a starting point.

Thanks everyone for your responses, I've gathered a little of each person's suggestions and agree this can be a very exciting project!!

I am leaning towards a lattice (vertical/horizontal pattern rather than diagonal) to cover the wall. I'm also thinking of planting one or two Japanese maples not to exceed the height of the wall for a bold splash of color.

I'll re-pot my orchids and keep some under the trees and move the rest to the deck. A third plant of a different height might complete the look too.

Thanks again everyone!