A redwood fence doth not an effective reflective surface make - you can plant smaller Aloes right up to the wall and there won't be a problem, other than the fabulous growth you'll experience.

The more I think about it, UC Davis' advice is correct, but a little over-protective. It's true that Aloes can burn, but the typical response to high heat/sun is for the plant's leaves to colour up, rather than burn. As long as you're providing adequate water, they'll tend to grow, rather than burn. If you withhold the water, they will tend to redden/empurple and the growth will be slower.

The idea that aloes should be planted in the full sun applies more to coastal areas. Further inland, many species appreciate dappled afternoon shade, so your planting area sounds ideal.

Plant the larger aloes against the fence, since smaller ones planted there would soon be hidden behind larger ones planted in front. Larger aloes, such as arborescens, ferox and striatula, should be planted three feet from the fence. You can intersperse shade loving, smaller aloes amongst these larger ones.

DR,

DG's got it right - the bigger ones in the back, the smaller ones in the front. Of the species he mentions, A. arborescens will pup and branch profusely, eventually becoming an impenetrable set of interlinked shrubs. A. striatula was for me a smaller version of A. arborescens. A. ferox, of course, is a ferociously different animal - it turns into a large single rosette, so maybe making that plant a focal point would be good.

Thank you for the replies. Wish I had some of the ones you mentioned. I got a. speciosa, a. marlothii and another trunk type the name of which I don't know. Then I've got a. buhri & a. heronenesis for the lower ones. I even have a few more but they need to go in another spot. All of these babies are 5 gallon specimens. Can't wait for Spring to plant.
By the way, as I read about aloes on the internet I see "river sand" mentioned as good soil additive. I have some pea gravel and cactus soil in this planting bed already. Where in the world can one get river sand or something like to improve the drainage? Any ideas?

DR,

From a river? (ducks)

You might want to avail yourself to the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society's Winter Show - there are usually lots of choice Aloes available there, and it's held in a beautiful setting (Balboa Park) - the link's below.

The sand - you can go to a desert wash and get some, if there are any near, or any dry streambed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Walking in an Aloe Wonderland