We both work full-time and there are low-maintenance natural gardens. Lawns, on the other hand, are maintenance-intensive. They need the equipment to be managed alongside work.
If you like maple, then take a look at [Wilden Wein].
Which looks by far nicer than the utility vine. However, it needs something sturdy to which its "tendrils" can cling.
Yes, something has to be built in front of the garage. To my knowledge, there is no maple as a climbing plant. The Virginia creeper has some similarity and can grow there. Lavender, thyme, or anything else doesn’t fit the installation and also doesn’t please .