Making the best outdoor space in a rental
by
Tone
+7
Hi all! We are currently renting a big old house with a big green garden. In all, we are surrounded by lawn everywhere. This will be our second summer there, and many more will come. The thing is that we (especially my husband) is hesitating when it comes to garden furniture. He doesn't want to place any on the lawn, fearing that it will ruin the landlords nice lawn (I am sure he will allow us if we ask!) and husband is also pulling out the "the furniture will rot if we place it on the grass"-card. I very much disagree with all this, mostly because I really want an outdoor space to sit and have bbq`s and late summer evening drinks:) My goal for the summer is to have something done that can satisfy all parties.
The OTHER thing is this: We live RIGHT next to the highway! It is loud and dusty, but we have gotten used to it. If you look away from the sound and insight, it is a lovely green neighborhood!
I am looking for cleaver, non permanent out door settings. Any ideas? :)
The OTHER thing is this: We live RIGHT next to the highway! It is loud and dusty, but we have gotten used to it. If you look away from the sound and insight, it is a lovely green neighborhood!
I am looking for cleaver, non permanent out door settings. Any ideas? :)
9 answers
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Furniture designed for the outdoors will not rot by sitting on the grass. It may damage the lawn if it remains in one place for an extended period, so why not just move it around? I think an even better idea is convincing your landlord to give up a little of that lawn to create a permanent outdoor seating space from which to enjoy it. Less lawn equals more interesting garden. Send him a sketch and tell him you'll pay for it and do the work.
Douglas Hunt
on Mar 13, 2015
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We rent a little rock house in the Texas Hill Country and my husband put down a paver patio - the square paving stones you buy at Home Depot or Lowes. We made it 12 X 10 and put sand in between the stones. It is not actually permanent, you could just pick up all the pavers and grow the grass back if necessary.
Kathud54
on Mar 13, 2015
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I would suggest getting those large metal tubs that are actually water troughs and planting shrubs in them and lining them around your yard to block out the noise. Regular use of your outdoor space may cause the lawn to wear so I agree with @kathud54 that you should use pavers. You are going to have to fix it when you leave anyways so why not. Besides, what good is having a nice lawn if you cannot utilize it.
Susan Conner Perry
on Mar 13, 2015
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I think going to your landlord and explaining what you are going to do....put the garden furniture in the yard.......and let him make the decision as to whether you should or not is the best way to go. Then if it damages his yard (you should protect it as much as possible) you are not held responsible for it. You could put something under all the legs of the furniture so it wont sink down into the ground if it rains.
Elizabeth
on Mar 13, 2015
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I assume the landlord does the mowing? Keep things easily portable. Buy a folding table and use a pretty table cloth to hold food and folding web chairs for those who don't want to sit on the ground. Use picnic blankets for larger gatherings. A few wrought iron plant stands with hanging plants can be strategically placed. A couple of those plastic adirondack chairs can easily be moved around to prevent lawn damage. Something with wheels (a wagon?) can hold a few plants and a plank for an end table between the adirondack chairs. All can be put away when not in use or easily moved around to prevent lawn damage and for mowing.
Cindy Hughes Nock
on Mar 13, 2015
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A few trees to screen the road would help with the noise and dust, but you would definately have to have the landlords approval for that. Placement should be thought over carefully so they don't grow too big, look nice with the house, etc. Maybe the landlord would pay for those, as it would be a permanet improvement to the property.
Pat G
on Mar 13, 2015
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@Tone I agree with @Douglas Hunt get permission from the landlord to put in a small patio- dig out the lawn and lay pea gravel in it for the patio area (fairly inexpensive). If you get a faux rattan furniture, it can be inexpensive and will hold up quite well. Whether you put in the patio or not you can also define your relaxing area by putting up a temporary gazebo, which you can take with you when you leave. We have one that is water resistant and allows us to sit out in the rain. Add some candles and voila you have your own little oasis. We also use inexpensive sheers/drapes suspended to the gazebo which adds a little more ambiance.
Gail Salminen
on Mar 13, 2015
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You can put wheels on your lawn furniture,ie a wheelbarrow bench
Deborah
on Mar 13, 2015
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I had the same issue while renting. We asked our landlord if it would be ok to build a small deck on the ground level. The only part that actually sat on the ground was the patio block on each corner that supported the deck. Most landlords would agree because it makes the property easier to rent (focal point in the yard). In terms of the traffic, I would either do some quick growing plantings or if you're able to do a deck or patio consider putting up some lattice.
Marsharie M
on Mar 14, 2015
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