How to Keep Your Outdoor Space Beautiful & Maintained
Renting a property with a garden can be a wonderful perk or a nightmare depending on your love of the garden, but it often comes with the challenge of maintaining the outdoor space while respecting the terms of your lease. Whether you have a small patio, a shared garden, or a private backyard, keeping your garden in good shape benefits both you and the property owner.
If you know you would rather be out and about on weekends than in your garden, then take this into account when selecting a rental property. The garden forms part of the property and as such it also needs to be maintained.
For those of you who, like me, will always leave a garden better than when you found it – get outside, you don’t need to read this!
Regular Upkeep
The golden rule, and like many other things in life – a little bit often is a much better way to go than trying to do a whole heap rarely. This approach just doesn’t work with gardens and can end up leaving plants damaged and needing replacement.
Even if you don’t make major changes, regular maintenance is key:
• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to keep your garden looking tidy and to prevent them from competing with your plants.
• Watering: Set up a simple watering routine to ensure your plants receive adequate hydration. Using self-watering planters can also be a time-saver.
• Pruning and Trimming: Keep plants healthy and well-shaped by pruning dead or overgrown branches. This task helps prevent pest issues and promotes better growth.
Look It Up!
Learn about the plants on your garden – do they need light pruning or hard pruning? Should pruning be done at a particular time of the year? Use the ‘Google look up photo’ feature to help you – I use it often in the garden!
Focus on Low-Maintenance Solutions
Given the temporary nature of renting, opting for low-maintenance garden solutions can save time and effort. Consider these ideas:
• Container Gardening: Use pots and containers for flowers, herbs, and vegetables. They’re easy to move and require less maintenance than in-ground beds.
• Low-Maintenance Plants: Choose hardy, drought-tolerant plants that require minimal care. Succulents, ornamental grasses, and certain perennials are great options.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to reduce weeding and retain soil moisture, simplifying garden upkeep.
Understand Your Lease Agreement
Before you begin any garden work, review your lease agreement carefully. Some leases have specific clauses about garden upkeep, restrictions on modifications, or responsibilities for different tasks. Clarify what is expected of you and what might require approval.
Be clear on your responsibilities – you aren’t expected to be a super green-thumb, but you do need to be aware of what is required. If you aren’t sure, ask.
Communicate with Your Property Manager
If you’re unsure about any garden-related responsibilities or wish to undertake a significant change, communicate with your property manager. Discuss your plans and seek permission for any major alterations, such as installing new plants or changing garden features.
Be Mindful of Shared Spaces
If your garden is part of a shared area, coordinate with neighbours to ensure that your maintenance activities don’t interfere with their enjoyment. Respect any communal rules or agreements about garden upkeep.
Use Environmentally-Friendly Practices
Even as a renter, you can contribute to environmental sustainability:
• Composting: Start a small compost bin for kitchen scraps and garden waste. It’s an eco-friendly way to enrich your soil and reduce waste.
• Organic Treatments: Use organic pest control methods and fertilisers to minimise environmental impact.
Keep Records and Documentation
Document any changes or improvements you make to the garden and keep communication records with your property manager. This can be useful in case of disputes or when moving out, ensuring you are not held responsible for issues you didn’t cause.
Prepare for Move-Out
When it’s time to move out, restore the garden to its original condition if required by your lease. Remove any temporary structures, containers, or plantings you added, and ensure the space is clean and tidy. A well-maintained garden upon leaving can make a positive impression and may even help with the return of your security deposit.
Maintaining a garden as a renter can be both rewarding and manageable with the right approach. By understanding your lease, communicating effectively, and focusing on low-maintenance practices, you can enjoy and care for your outdoor space without causing unnecessary stress. Your efforts not only enhance your living environment but also show respect for your rental provider and property, leading to great references for the future. Who knows? You might even end up developing a love for it!