Is it possible to make this garden look pleasant again?

[SurlyCue]

I am in no way greenfingered and have no interest in gardening. My garden is very small with a small paved area for a table and chair. I find it really hard to keep looking nice as there is a raised area at the bottom that is covered in gravel and it is sloped towards the garden so all the gravel falls into the grass and gets spread around the garden. Also there is a large tree with long flat leave type things that constantly shed into the garden, they are about half a metre long each and it is a daily job to clear them from the grass. The grass is also not great, it is mossy and also tufty (hope that makes sense) but also worn away in parts due to children playing and my dog weeing. It is a rented house and im possibly going to be moving within a year so dont want to spend a lot of money improving it when the LL hasnt spent a penny on house repairs in 3 years (ive had to do them all) but i am aware the garden looks tatty and dont want the LL to have any reason to withold my deposit. So is there any way to fix the wear/keep it looking nice without spending a fortune? I obviously cant do anything about the tree or gravel, was just setting the scene.

Watching with interest as have a similar garden and not a clue what to do with it.

Waves to ifits! (You know me and my hairy bear )

Bumpy bump

Is it possible for you to post a few pictures?

I've no time to reply now, but will come back later, or in a day or two.

A couple of trough type planters along the edge of the gravel with annuals / summer bedding will keep the gravel tidy and draw attention away from the grass
Tubs with flowers on the paved bit will cheers it up
and you can take them with you when you leave

Yep I can post a pic tomorrow, its too dark now.

I think with the lawn I'd give it a good rake over to get the moss out, then scatter some more grass seed. You might have to do it in sections and keep the children / dog out of each bit whilst it grows. That will probably make the world of difference. Then as Talk says lots of planters and pots - that way you can take them with you when you leave if you want.

If you can pick up some old scaffolding boards or anything you might be able to put them along the edge of the gravel to hold it back?

It is always possible to make a garden look lovely, with the right amount of time and attention.

I understand that you don't want to pay out too much, as it's a rented house and you'd be throwing cash away. But how about growing some food for yourself? It could be really satisfying, would save you money and use the plot in a way that would recoup any investment you make.

If that's not to your fancy, growing things in pots that you can move helps!

I would think a landlord who took your deposit over the state of the garden would be VERY mean

Pictures as promised. The sun is very bright so im not sure if its very clear. Behind the playhouse is the wall with the raised part/gravel. It runs across the whole back width of the garden. The garden is so tufty and uneven i use a strimmer on it as a lawnmower just wouldnt cope.

OK, looking at your pictures : the lawn actually needs mowing - yes really.
See if you can borrow a mower on Freecycle and give it a swift haircut. Leave the clippings down.
A couple of tubs with flowers at the end
the tank I presume is an oil tank : how long are you there fore - is it worth getting cheap trellis and running annual nasturtuims up and over it

The lawnmower doesnt really work properly because the ground is uneven and the tufts are thick and bumpy. Thats why i use the strimmer on it. It means there are no patches left uncut. What does leaving the clippings down do? What can i do about the brown patches where the dog has peed? Trellis is a good option for hiding the oil tank.

leaving the clippings helps the soil stay moist and start to let roots grow - if you can fork the soil a bit, the grass will spread.
Dog wee : no idea other than hosing down the lawn regularly.

Thanks talkinpeace will try that.

If you can get a strong rake, rake the tufts so the grass stands up; if might be possible to mow then.

Also if the mower is set high to start with, and take the tufts down a bit, then lower it (assuming it can be adjusted) to maybe start to get the grass under control.

(I'll come back sometime with more info.)

1. Train dog to pee on compost heap or in dog loo. Dog piss smells and is no good for playing children
2. Mow and rake and aerate lawn and reseed/feed bare patches with patchmagic
3. If feeling energetic dig flower beds round the edges and sow hollyhocks, delphiniums, sunflowers, penstemon at the back of beds and cosmos, calendula, borage, sage lavender and thyme at the front of beds.
4. If not feeling energetic get pots and plant them up with lavender and herbs and pretty flowers from the supermarket such as pansies, impatiens, begonias, and place them strategically to have something to look at from the house and when sitting out.
5. It is possible to grow fruit and veg such as strawberries and tomatoes and aubergines in pots too.

1. Citrus plants such as lemons are said not to mind being pissed on.

1. Small trees such as figs, acers, magnolia stellata, do well in pots and can be taken wit you when you move

There's stuff you can put in your dogs water bowl that will stop her wee browning the turf. Put weed and Feed eg Grasshopper on the grass and start mowing it - strimmer it then mow it the next day, it will gradually even out and be less tufty.

These are fun: many containers on here are planted with low maintenance sun loving sedums. They grow well in gravel
uk.pinterest.com/birdsblooms/garden-creative-containers/

Ooh loads of tips! Thank you. Those planters are lovely. I dont think i'll go for borders but will definitely plant up some pots. Ive been looking for some cheap railway sleepers or similar on gumtree to put across the wall to hold the gravel back and i will put down more gravel to fill in the gaps and freshen it up.