[...] right? We had also considered fence slats as another option. When I talked about wanting to do something to the fence last year, a lot of people suggested woven willow or reed panels. I’m sure that would look good, but I [...]

If you go to the center of your pic between the bench and the tree where the tallest pink jobby of flowers is, I would place a tallish structure there instead of just the bench. Anything with some height. Pergola and bench, mini gazeebo thingy, my favorite is a covered lounge but that is just my style, and cover it with grid lattice and a vine covering. The rest of the trees in your neighbors yard will become a visual frame for that. Then consider this, (which is the cheapest yet still stylin’ thing I have seen done so far), I don’t know what your shipping pallets look like down there but up here they resemble a section of fence. The wood is obviously not a great grade, but if you stain it dark it doesn’t matter. You basically need to purchase the posts and then attach the pallets (which should be free) between them. Some of them are actually decent looking, as long as you are careful where you get them from.

Then I second the motion of getting a honeysuckle or bittersweet vine. Or clematis. They all grow relatively quickly, honeysuckle is my favorite because of the bees and butterflies which we could all use more of. You can grow a few different ones for a different look each season. Large bushes can get pretty expensive too so a few vines can go a long way. If you use lattice (or even a horizontal “bar” effect which would look more modern, I am not sure what you want as the end result as far as feel,) on the structure then eventually repeat a similar idea on the building to the left. This will create the “room” feeling and if you are really adventurous you could create a sort of “living room” look there eventually. I love the look of outdoor fireplaces and you can find some fabulous DIY ideas online and great stuff at salvadge yards. One of my favorites uses stone pavers but I can’t remember what magazine I saw it in. Just some ideas. Make sure you post after photos whatever you decide on!

Have fun with it!

I also like the idea of lining the chain link with climbing roses.

http://camelliatree.blogspot.com/

Regarding companion plants: have you considered boxwood? They don’t have to look formal, and the bonus, they grow beautifully in your area and provide winter interest. Having an evergreen in the garden provides a nice backdrop (think canvas) for your other plants, and provides beautiful shape and structure to the winter and autumn garden. I lived in Evanston for eight years and found the Botantic Garden to be a fantastic resource when I was planting my own garden.

Which type of hydrangea are you considering? My favorites include the climbers, the paniculatas and the oakleaf – all of which offer very attractive fall foliage. The bigleaf and smooth may look good when in bloom, but come autumn, they just drop their leaves and look sad. Those two varieties are a bit too one-dimensional for me, but that’s just my opinion. Just remember to mulch properly; most hydrangeas require moist soil and cool roots – this can often be a recipe for disaster in Chicagoland.

Your plans look great. Keep up the great work. Make sure you choose plants that are appropriate for the conditions you have at your site and you won’t go wrong. Feel free to contact via email if you have specific questions.