Everyone’s always looking for new ways to personalize their living space. You might hang pictures in different frames, buy new outdoor furniture or decorate everything according to your favorite color. It’s easy to find things to switch up your digs, but it’s a little more challenging if you rent your home.
Landlords often have strict policies regarding what you do with the property while you rent from them. They could decide those policies for themselves or work according to homeowners association (HOA) rules. After you check your lease to learn what’s allowed and what’s not, you can get creative with any space — including your garden.
Here are six of the best budget ideas for a rental garden makeover. Be sure to check with your landlord if you have any questions about what might or might not break your lease.
1. Build a stone path
The key to abiding by most rental agreements is to create things that aren’t permanent. You can stick with that guideline and still make something that looks like it will last forever by building a stone path in your backyard.
Find large, flat stones and lay them in your yard, leading to features like your garden or garage. You can pick them up when your lease ends, and the property won’t be damaged.
2. Buy a fountain
Large fountains might require some construction, but most are smaller and easier to set up. As long as you have access to a hose faucet, you can put together something beautiful and temporary.
Place a fountain between your garden plants or in your grass, whatever you have to work with.
3. Hang mood lighting
Another way to spice up your garden is to hang budget-friendly mood lighting around your patio area or yard. As long as you avoid floodlights, you can create the perfect atmosphere for some evening gardening or hanging out with your friends outdoors.
4. Construct raised garden beds
Raised garden beds prevent your yard from getting ruined and work well on rental home patios. With the right supplies and a little time, you can construct raised garden beds to add to your space. Paint or decorate them however you like, and then carefully pick what you grow so you get the bonus of low-maintenance plants.
5. Grow plants vertically
Use your garden space differently with a vertical trellis. You can attach pots to it and grow whatever you like or use it as a stand for vine plants. These can look natural and fit right in with your living space, without requiring permanent installation.
Vertical gardens also work great on apartment balconies.
6. Paint a backdrop
Play with colors before your flowers bloom by painting a backdrop for your garden. Depending on what sized space you’re working with, you can use wooden pallets to form a wall. Paint it with whatever splash of colors you like and place it against your patio wall or garden fence.
This is an easy decor piece to play with because you can drape lighting over the pallet or use it as your vertical garden wall. Think about what you want to see when you look at your garden and what kind of space you have.
Stick with your vibe for your rental home garden
The best way to know how you should decorate your garden is to learn what kind of style you enjoy. Certain ones will match your vibe and feel like an extension of yourself. Use that to guide you when you build your raised garden beds, pick your plants or paint a backdrop. You can still express yourself, even if you rent from a landlord with strict rules.
