With the right garden rental ideas, you can still make an outdoor space enjoyable even if you can’t make major changes. Renting your home doesn’t mean you can’t truly make it your own — you just have to get creative with how you go about it. It’s easy to add a personal touch to your outdoor space without upsetting your landlord.
From potted plants to outdoor lighting, here are 10 backyard ideas to take a tired looking rental space to a place where you want to spend time this summer.
Garden rental ideas to take with you when you move
1. Use potted plants to incorporate greenery
(Image credit: thejoyofplants.co.uk)
If your garden lacks green space, potted plants are a particularly good option for urban gardens. This is a great way to add flowers, texture and color to your outdoor space without having to dig anything up, or if your garden area is all concrete.
“Movable property is ideal for a rented property, such as a For example, decorative pots and planters,” says Claire Belderbos of Belderbos Landscapes. “Consider the size of your containers – larger pots can add drama and keep an area from looking cluttered.”
Henry Scott, director of landscape and garden designers Pehrsson Scott, also recommends container gardening in your rented space. ‘Feature pots of specimen trees transform a small garden and can be easily moved by a mover. They do a great job of transforming a garden on a budget and it’s something you can take with you wherever you want.’
2. Hang plants to add dimension to your space
(Image credit: thejoyofplants.co.uk)
Hanging plants are awesome low maintenance garden idea to create depth in your garden. You can cast your gaze upwards to make you feel like you have a larger, fuller space than you actually do. If you don’t have a lot of square footage to work with, stepping up is a great way to make the most of your space and incorporate more into your garden.
Depending on how much leeway you are given by your landlord as to what you can do in your space, you may not want to drill into something to hang your plants. Why not try fence post brackets instead? They can be slid or hooked over fence posts to allow your plants to hang in a spot that’s easy to pick out on move day. Alternatively, you can try hanging the basket from a branch if you have one – just make sure it’s strong enough to hold the weight.
3. Get creative with color
(Image credit: thejoyofplants.co.uk)
Color is an easy way to make your rental garden more welcoming and personal. You can achieve this through flowers, plants, and patio furniture to create a color scheme that best suits your taste. When it comes to creating a flower garden, pots are a great place to start.
“For instant summer color that won’t break the bank, consider some long-blooming perennials like Geranium, Perovskia, Rudbeckia, and Gaura [are great options]says Claire of Belderbos Landscapes. “Flower bulbs are an inexpensive way to add variety in spring and summer. Bulbs can be planted around existing shrubs and plants without disturbing what is already there.”
4. Furnish your garden with freestanding and movable accessories
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If you have a bigger budget and enough space, buy some patio furniture to create an attractive and comfortable area to spend time in. Invest in some of the bbest garden furniture allows you to create a modern and trendy space to host family and friends.
“Spend money wisely on things that can be taken with you when you move. Good quality outdoor furniture is always a good start and helps enhance a space,” says Henry, director of Pehrsson Scott.
If you already have patio furniture that’s showing some wear, Claire from Belderbos Landscapes suggests sanding it down, revarnishing it or even giving it a new coat of paint. This way you can save money and still enhance your garden space.
5. Light up your garden
(Image credit: Nedgis)
Extend your entertaining into the evening hours and invite your friends to enjoy your beautiful new outdoor space by hanging lights.
“Lighting can expand the use of your garden and add atmosphere to your garden at night,” says Claire. “If you can’t install mains-powered lighting, consider solar-powered options. The technology for these has improved a lot in recent times. Lanterns and smaller table candles are other alternatives to mains powered lighting.”
Also suitable for outdoor use, garland lights are a great garden lighting idea for your garden that does not require fixed installation. Warm light gives your garden a magical and atmospheric atmosphere that you can easily unplug anyway and tidy up whenever it suits you.
6. Make your outdoor space wildlife friendly
(Image credit: thejoyofplants.co.uk)
Wildlife gardening can turn your yard into a peaceful and enjoyable place that doesn’t require major or permanent renovations. “Consider attending No Mow May this year to create shelters for wildlife and bring out wildflowers,” says Claire of Belderbos Landscapes.
Birdhouses are another way to make your yard even more attractive to wildlife. You can get freestanding options like bird feeders or perches that can dig into the ground, hang bird feeders from tree branches, and even use window bird feeders that can be attached with suction cups.
7. Invest in a standalone water feature
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Water features upgrade any outdoor space to make it feel more expensive, and they’re not always a permanent feature. “There are also some great off the shelf water features that can make a real difference in any space and won’t be left behind when you move home,” says Henry Scott.
If you have an outdoor outlet, you can use a standalone water feature in most spots in your yard by using an outdoor extension cord if the cord isn’t long enough to reach the desired spot. Otherwise, there are solar-powered water features that are cable-free and use sunlight, which they absorb through a panel, to power the flow of water.
“A water feature doesn’t have to be complicated,” says Claire Belderbos. There are several options for mains powered and solar powered water features that do not require piping as they operate from an internal reservoir that recycles and recirculates the water. “A simple water bowl can even be used to welcome wildlife into your yard,” she adds.
8. Use these IKEA patio tiles for a temporary fix
(Image credit: IKEA)
Removable flooring from IKEA is a brilliant way to make your back garden look more elegant without sacrificing more expensive – and permanent – landscaping. The floor tiles are perfect for a small balcony garden idea, especially if you just have a balcony or patio that you want to upgrade.
Whether you are creating a grass patio area or want to clad concrete, these patio tiles simply click together to create a quality finish to your outdoor space. They come in a range of colors and are even offered in artificial grass so you can create a garden effect without having to plant seeds. When it comes to moving day you can just pack them away to use in your next property and your landlord will be none the wiser.
9. Take care of your outdoor area
(Image credit: Claire Wainwright)
The benefits of keeping your yard in good condition might be overlooked, but it’s an easy and inexpensive way to make your rental home more inviting. “Another important factor in rental property is garden maintenance,” says Henry von Pehrsson Scott. “A well-kept and well-groomed garden always has a positive effect on the sense of space. Just because it might not be your property doesn’t mean you can’t spend time taking care of it. Some landlords even offer a rent reduction.”
As the warmer weather approaches, cleaning your outdoor space will make a visible difference. “A pressure jet cleaner can remove winter’s dirt and debris and can give your pavement or patio a refresh,” says Claire of Belderbos Landscapes.
10. Beautify your fence
(Image credit: thejoyofplants.co.uk)
In a rental home, you might not always be able to paint the fences, but there are still plenty of picket fence ideas that offer a temporary yet stylish solution. Why not try supporting a trellis with artificial plants or some decorative garden umbrellas?
A simple and inexpensive option is to use garlands or fairy lights to decorate your fence. You can even try hanging fence planters with flowers or herbs in them, or go all out and use vertical fabric plant bags that you can hang to create a green wall over your fence.
How do you use an apartment terrace?
Even if your rental property doesn’t have the most outdoor space, there are still plenty of renter-friendly hacks for apartment patios or balconies. Why not try decorating your patio area with an outdoor rug and seating? It can be as simple as a garden bench or a pair of wicker garden chairs that you can dress up with soft furniture to create a comfortable and cozy area to spend time in on warmer evenings. You could even invest in an outdoor table and chairs to host an outdoor dinner party in summer.
How do I beautify my garden on a budget?
Plants are often a surprisingly expensive investment that doesn’t fit into every budget. If you’re happy to put in a little extra work, seed packets and even making your own potting soil to plant them can certainly save you pennies. Upcycling your current garden furniture or buying it used are not only cheaper but also more sustainable alternatives.