Looking for renter friendly garden ideas outdoor spaces can pull off without a full makeover? Start with pots of herbs, colorful flower containers or a little table surrounded by greenery.
These pictures give you plenty to borrow for a balcony, porch or patio.
You can keep things simple or go all out with plants. Just check your rental rules before attaching anything, changing the ground or adding heavy planters.
A few of these setups need a freestanding alternative.
Garden ideas to try at your rental
three tiers of greenery
We’re starting off strong with this little balcony garden. I love the rows of greenery beside the chairs, especially those bright red and yellow peppers at the top.
Try a freestanding tiered planter to borrow the arrangement. Keep the smaller pots together underneath so there’s still a clear route to your seat.
little labeled herb boxes
How cute are these little labels? Mint, oregano and basil fill the top row, with more herbs and lettuce underneath.
The black backing makes the square boxes stand out.
For your rental, look for a freestanding display rather than assuming you can attach boxes to the railing.
a checkerboard of deck tiles
If you want to change the look under your plant pots, this picture gives you a simple direction. Brown square tiles cover part of the weathered deck, with the grooves turned in alternating directions.
Check that any removable tiles you choose suit the existing surface and allow drainage. Covering a deck isn’t a substitute for repairing damaged boards.
bright planters on wheels
I am obsessed with these colorful planters. The yellow one is so cute with pink, red and pale purple flowers spilling across the top.
Pick one bright container or follow the whole yellow, blue, red and green lineup. Wheels are a useful feature to look for, though filled planters can still be heavy.
a slim row of railing herbs
Don’t have room for a big plant stand? This narrow white holder has little pots lined up beside the balcony railing, leaving the floor below open.
Borrow the slim arrangement with an approved railing planter and secure it according to its instructions. The attachment here isn’t clear enough to copy from the photo alone.
pink rug and leafy surroundings
This enclosed garden room may just be one of my favorite color ideas here. I love the bright pink patterned rug beside the bench and all those big green leaves.
For an outdoor version, choose a rug intended for outdoor use and plants suited to your conditions. You don’t need to copy the whole room to borrow that pretty pink-and-green pairing.
orange flowers and white lattice
How gorgeous are those orange flowers against the white lattice? The vines trail across the top and down the sides, with a chair tucked beside the pots.
Try a planter with its own securely supported trellis if wall attachments aren’t allowed. An orange-striped cushion would be a cute finishing touch.
little lights along the path
If you love a garden after dark, there’s plenty to save here. Strings of lights cross overhead while small lights sit among the pots and square path tiles.
You can borrow the lighting without copying the gravel landscaping. Try outdoor-rated lanterns beside your containers and use only approved supports for overhead lights.
round tubs of greens and flowers
These round gray tubs look so pretty with leafy greens and little yellow flowers. I especially love how the two matching containers sit beside a single chair.
For a similar setup, choose planters with suitable drainage and check the deck’s load limits before filling large containers.
a ladder full of herbs
This is another lovely way to grow upward instead of spreading pots across the lawn. The black troughs sit between brown side rails, with herbs filling each level.
I’d keep the same simple colors. Choose a purpose-built stand that stays stable when the containers are filled rather than leaning a loose ladder against a screen.
a lemon tree by the door
I am in love with this lemon tree and its big decorative pot. The yellow fruit looks so pretty beside the pale blue door and shutters.
If you want to try container citrus, check its sunlight and temperature needs first. Leave enough room around the pot to use your doorway easily.
flowers in front of a tall screen
Want a planted backdrop for your seating area? This long raised bed pairs pink and red flowers with a tall lattice screen.
Read also: 20 Japandi Garden Ideas With Greenery, Gravel and Simple Seating
The full setup includes ground changes, so it isn’t automatically renter friendly. Borrow the look with separate containers and a stable freestanding screen, or get permission before planning something this substantial.
pink flowers above and below
How adorable is this porch? Deep pink and pale pink flowers fill the hanging basket, with more pink blooms in the blue pots along the railing.
Read also: 20 Landscaping Ideas Around House Borders, Paths and Patios
You can follow the same color palette with pots on a plant stand if hanging isn’t an option. Otherwise, use approved supports rated for the baskets’ filled weight.
a garden cart of leafy greens
If you are looking for a bigger container garden, this wheeled planter is full of inspiration. Rows of green and reddish leaves fill the long box, with a handle at the front.
For a balcony or rooftop, confirm the permitted load before choosing anything this large. A smaller wheeled planter could give you a similar look without copying the scale.
hanging tomatoes
Those red tomatoes certainly catch your eye! The white hanging container is surrounded by foliage and clusters of red and green fruit, including growth beneath the base.
Treat this as inspiration rather than a planting guide or a promise of that harvest. If you try a hanging tomato planter, follow its growing instructions and use a support rated for the full wet weight.
a green corner and bistro table
Don’t want to fill every corner with flower pots? No problem!
This balcony keeps things simple with a small table, one chair and a green floor covering beside the brown decking.
I love the tall leafy backdrop. For your version, consider a freestanding greenery screen rather than attaching panels to the building.
gingham and floral cushions
I am obsessed with this little seating area. The pink gingham tablecloth and floral cushions are just so cute together.
Potted greenery surrounds both chairs, with a small pink flower pot on the table. Start with those easy-to-move pieces if you can’t copy the hanging basket or wall lights.
ferns and trailing leaves
Don’t want to add bright flowers? This all-green window display is for you.
Upright fern fronds sit above layers of trailing leaves in a long gray planter.
Try the same arrangement in a freestanding trough below your window. Don’t assume a windowsill can safely hold an unsecured planter.
a whole collection of pots
If you like a little bit of everything, then this one is for you. There are purple flowers, orange blooms, herbs and a tomato plant, all grouped at different heights.
I love the mix of plain and patterned pots. Use sturdy plant stands to build your own display, keeping the taller plants toward the back.
a rustic vertical planter
Last but definitely not least, we have this tall planter beside the fence. The open rows hold a mix of leafy plants, tiny flowers and trailing greenery.
Read also: 20 Garden Layout With Greenhouse Ideas to Inspire Your Growing Space
Choose a purpose-built freestanding version if you want a similar setup. Keep it stable without relying on the rental’s fence for support.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily