How to Make the Most of a Garden in a Rental Property 

We believe that a rental property with a garden offers you somewhere very special to spend your down time. Just because you don’t own the space doesn’t mean you can’t make it yours. Essentially, you’ve got an extra room, giving you somewhere to relax with family and friends, play with the kids and enjoy the fresh air. So, we’re here to help you create a garden that works for you and your landlord. 

For obvious reasons, we’re not suggesting anything permanent. Instead, here are some ideas for this and future properties: furniture and accessories that reflect your personality and meet your particular needs. These are the topics we cover in this article:

1.) Planning how to use your garden

2.) Choosing garden furniture

3.) Lighting your outdoor space

4.) Potted and hanging plants

5.) Decoration and accessories

6.) Creating zones in your garden

Planning how to use your garden

Before you can plan what to do with your outdoor space, let’s see what you’ve got to work with. This is especially important if you’ve just recently moved in. First, do a spot of garden maintenance: cut back overgrowth, mow the lawn (if there is one) and maybe use a pressure washer on the patio. (These tasks may even meet the conditions of your tenancy.)

What have you revealed – a rustic wall, beautiful tree, some hidden areas, a sunny patio? Now you can match your needs with this very real space: socialise with friends, enjoy some family meals and - if you have a good size area - create ‘zones’ for different activities.

Choosing garden furniture

Once you’ve got a better idea of what you want to do with your outdoor room, your first decision should be garden furniture. This is where you can have most impact on your rented garden because it gives you an immediate sense of ‘ownership’. Investing in good quality outdoor furniture is a wise move because it will ensure years of enjoyment wherever you choose to live. In our experience, it’s best to be guided by three things: durability, style and versatility. Whatever the size of your space, there’s something to suit your seating and eating needs:

- Lightweight, elegant aluminium bistro sets – the classic choice for small spaces

- Modular sofa combinations in weatherproof rattan – for small gatherings or large families

- Dining sets - with a variety of seating choices and adjustable fire pit tables

- Individual seating - such as loungers, hanging egg chairs and day beds 

- Garden Parasols – follow the sun around with free-standing, table-centred or cantilever 

- Colour and comfort – accessories such as cushions, throws and outdoor rugs to pull it together

All of the above can suit a rented garden, helping you create a welcoming (and portable) space to breathe and relax. 

Lighting your outdoor space

Stylish and effective outdoor lighting is a must; it’s also easy to achieve without making any structural changes in your rented property. 

Fairy lights

Strings of solar fairy lights are a brilliant way of adding ambient lighting to your garden. Depending on the style, shapes and colours you choose, this kind of accent lighting can really set the tone and personality of your outside space. Along the fence, hanging from trees, wound round shrubs, up-lighting a parasol... This is versatile lighting designed to suit your needs from day-to-day.

Lanterns and candles

Whether real or battery-powered, lanterns and candles will add a warm and magical atmosphere. And, of course, they are easy to move around. Just a couple of well-placed pillar candles on a tray and clusters of tealights can immediately transform an evening outside.

Potted and hanging plants

We all know how our well-being is greatly improved by trees, shrubs and flowers. If your rental property is lacking a real sense of the natural world, then it’s an easy fix. No need for any digging or soil assessment - just add colour and texture:

Containers

Containers – such as pots, troughs and planters - are ideal for a rented property. They’re moveable during the seasons and, of course, easy to take with you when you relocate. Size and arrangement are key so instead of a cluster of smaller pots, think about two or three larger containers for a less cluttered look. If flowers aren’t your thing, then feature pots with specimen trees will give your space an architectural effect. Or, grow a herb garden. Herbs don’t need a lot of space and will happily flourish in pots. Even if you don’t want to use them in cooking, herbs like rosemary and thyme will give off a beautiful aroma. 

Hanging baskets

Hanging baskets are another great way to create a dazzling seasonal display of perennials, annuals and trailing plants. Instead of drilling into the structure of your property, there are other clever ways of sliding or hooking brackets onto a fence or wall. Alternatively, you can hang a basket from a tree branch that’s strong enough to hold the weight. 

Water feature

A water features elevates any outdoor space and it need not be a permanent fixture. Use solar instead of electricity to power the water flow. Or, for a simple, lo-tech solution, just fill an elegant bowl with water and welcome the wildlife into your garden.

Decoration and accessories

And so to the finishing touches to your perfect garden experience. Maybe some more cushions? Or how about a carefully-positioned mirror to reflect and create the illusion of space?

If the fence in your rental home is looking a bit tired but you are unable to paint it, then here are some temporary yet stylish fixes:

- A decorative garden screen

- Pots of plants climbing up a trellis

- Temporary fence planters containing flowers or herbs as mentioned above

Similarly, if you are faced with an ugly or beyond-cleaning patio, then cover it up with colourful waterproof garden rugs.

Creating zones in your garden

Design separate areas in your garden (‘zones’) to maximise your space. Use your own ‘structures’ to create these moveable zones: furniture, plants, screens, parasols, cushions, anything to enable you to create dining, lounging and outdoor games areas and corners in your garden.

Turn the garden of your rented property into your space

Just because you’re living in a property you don’t own doesn’t mean it can’t feel like home, especially if you have a garden. Your outdoor space can make you very happy without you resorting to any form of permanent change to the structure. So now the warmer weather is approaching, invest in top quality furniture, get creative with your accessories and turn your rented garden into somewhere you can relax and recharge. Then take it all with you when you move.

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Further Reading:
7 Essential Things you Need to Host the Perfect Summer Garden Party
Choosing Sustainable Garden Furniture
Everything you Need to know about Firepit Tables