What do I do to turn my wooden fence into an oasis?

Wow! What a great yard, Sheila! I would start with choosing some plants - shrubs, small trees, perennials and create a garden along the fence. Start in one corner and work your way out. Remember, you don't have to it all at once. That will be easier on your back and your budget!

i am thinking of painting mine. sky blue and white. then paint flowers on it.

Well, that is a lot of fence. Where in the south do you live, that will help people give you some idea about what plants to recommend. It is a large area, I would plan on doing it in stages. A mix of shrubs, annuals and perennials would be in order. I would start in a corner and establish a bed. Look at the view over the fence and see what areas you want to hide, and what areas you want to leave open and steal the view, ie trees we want to see, houses you don't etc. Plant trees or shrubs in the areas you want to hide, gardens in the areas where you want to steal the view. Basic rules.

Tall plants or vine on trellis at rear, shorter in front shortest at front. Can you grow clematis in your area? I think they look great on trellis.

Hi again, meant to add, when digging you bed areas, start small, not much more than a couple of feet deep from fence to lawn, It is easier to weed and care for them and you can always make them deeper is you want. I love perennial hibiscus. they grow large, are colorful but do really well where I am, they want a fair bit of water.

I do not put anything in as an edging I just use and edger and control the grass creep. this project will take a couple of years to start to look great so be patient. Good luck with your new gardens.

How about putting a large concrete fountain in the middle of the lawn while you are waiting for all the perennials to grow?

This is something i did along my fence

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/bicycle-wheel-yard-art-35356641

I would plant something tall all around the yard along the fence then plant something low in front of that. I think plants would brighten up the space

How about showy Bougenbila. Its a suburb especially for fences thorny, but besutiful choose baried colors.

Hi Sheila, everyone has good ideas, I would suggest that before you plant anything check with your local either landscape or farm bureau of what plants grow well and are native to your area. That way you'll have a better idea of what to plant.

Raised beds would look really nice along the fence and as you can afford it put different plants in them, raised beds would make it easier to take care of the plants and would give your yard more of the look you want.