I'm using Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens', Ilex x 'Whoa Nellie', and Osmanthus fragrans (tea olive) for that purpose around my place. All three will eventually grow to 20' or more, but can be kept smaller through pruning.

Try some vines - chain link fences were made for vines! Clematis, honeysuckle, trumpet vine would all work. Even climbing roses and grapes (both ornamental and fruiting). I'd hesitate with a wisteria as they vine with a torqueing motion of the main stem and are too strong for a chain link.

I would go with grape vines for the pure deliciousness of the fruit, but they do go dormant in winter. If you are looking for privacy, then you need something evergreen.

Suzi

Privacy is typically not as much a concern in winter months as folks tend to spend a lot less time outdoors :-) I can't imagine Ohio being very conducive to outdoor entertaining in winter. Evergreen vines for zones any lower than 8 are just about non-existent.

You could begin with annual vines (moonflower, morninglory) for a VERY quick cover, while more permanent plants take hold.

And you stated that you are on a budget, so annuals are definitely cheap! How will you water these plants?

We have 200' of frontage all on a drip irrigation system.

If you know someone with grapevines, they are easily grown from cuttings. Many other plants are also easy to propagate from cuttings too, including climbing roses. So, if you know someone, hit them up for cuttings. Free plants!!

Suzi

Thank you for all of the ideas so far. In addition to those mentioned, would there be plants besides the obvious shrubs and vines that would work for this as well. We are trying to mix the plants all around the fence. Also, we have concerns about the vines dying in winter and looking not so good. Most people are not outside much, so that is a good point as noted in a previous post. We would like to gather options of other plants as well.

I have a chain link fence on the back of my yard. I took cuttings from Virginia creeper (don't know the proper name) and in the mean time I put the vinyl slats in to hide the eye sore in the adjoining property. I don't care for the slats, but they wont show when the creeper takes over, which will probably be this summer. This will be the 3rd summer and its already mostly consumed a 6' tall fence. Some people don't like VC, but I for one love the thickness it grows, it does go dormant in the winter but the slats help with hiding unpleasant things.