Get a piece of graph paper and sketch your backyard. Be aware of north, south, east, west, especially along that fence line! Go to a locally owned garden center and ask for advice on what specific plants work well in your climate.

With grass that nice in March, you might like to leave it and use your patio for container gardening! :-)

But for your question, I agree as Allen says. Map out your sun directions and with the houses looking quite close together, be aware of any shady spots throughout the day. Afternoon shade is still OK so you'll just need to decide which corner or side of the yard that you want to use.

You also mentioned shrubs and such, so my assumption about veggie or flower gardening might not be what you're interested in. However, the same idea of mapping out your yard will still apply when you decide on trees, shrubs, flowers, or veggies.

Also, read garden magazines (Barnes and Noble has a big selection.) They have lots of backyard pictures and ideas. Be sure plants are hardy in your zone if you want them to come back each year.