Rented garden ideas - create a stunning garden in pots!

If you can't change your hard landscaping - either because you're renting or your time and budget has to go elsewhere - you can create a beautiful garden in pots. See garden designer Shaun Mooney's stunning rental garden makeover, including a mini wildlife pond, wormeries and lush perennial planting that is just humming with pollinators. With before and after photos.
00:00 Welcome
00:08 Before and after photos of Shaun's garden
00:35 Shaun Mooney Garden Design website: www.potwell.co.uk/
00:50 The garden when Shaun moved in
01:53 How Shaun planned the planting
02:20 A container garden uses a lot of pots - how to minimise costs
03:15 Have troughs made to your measurements
04:22 Fill in corners with extra pots to soften the shape and layer the planting
05:03 The British superstition - a horseshoe will keep you safe from accidents
05:20 Planter and sofa made from pallets
05:35 Save money by ordering the initial compost in bulk
06:10 Can you grow any plant in a pot?
06:55 Some garden designers do consultations on an hourly basis. Shaun offers this service.
06:58 Consult local nurseries if they grow their own plants
07:45 A container garden can really help pollinators
07:57 Have a mini wildlife pond in a container garden
08:51 If you can't have a compost bin, you can compost with a wormery
10:06 How often do you have to change the compost in a container garden?
10:56 You need to fertilise pots once a week in the growing season
11:14 Watering a container garden
11:44 Shaun's favourite perennial plants for pots
13:00 Looking into the wildlife pond - can you hear the frog?
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[@botanicaltreasures2408]

Amazing the look he’s achieved with the strategic placement of containers! He’s turned an urban desert into a food forest for pollinators. So inspiring!🐝🦋

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It is!

[@kennethandanitagarrett2668]

​@@TheMiddlesizedGarden 2S aa

[@mythriftedhomeandgarden830]

I really love your featuring small gardens and something that can be achieved by average homeowners. This post is very inspiring! Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@louisewhittle1513]

This is so lovely to see. I also rent and my tiny yard is full to the brim with everything from tall Camellias and wisteria in large pots to troughs of mind your own business and irish moss. The last time I moved the removal van did one trip with my furniture and second trip with all my plants. Can't live without a garden regardless of renting!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That's good to hear.

[@janereel1903]

I've always loved your interviews with gardeners. Again, what a treat to see his work and ideas in a small space. I prefer these videos to the ones from Chelsea or other commercial places. I like seeing the real gardens! Loved the combination of your garden knowledge and asking questions. I, too, must get agastache Black Adder for next year. I'm in U.S. zone 6a.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@GardenHappy]

I agree with you on seeing the real gardens. It just makes it more relatable. Like hey “I could do that” I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way.

[@janereel1903]

I have to clarify my first comment. I do like Alexandra's visits to public/commercial gardens and her interviews there. Often those gardeners give great advice about plants they're growing [dahlias, peonies, hydrangeas]. And I like seeing the gardens that I would never see otherwise. After more consideration, I find that the garden 'shows' like Chelsea or Philadelphia flower Show just don't capture the earthy plantings that other gardens do. It's more about what speaks to me; Alexandra is always wonderful. One of her videos on hydrangeas with a grower is fabulous as an example.

[@jacksonpeterson6899]

Hi! What a gorgeous picture you've on your profile 😘. Just decided to stop by and say hi!!! I hope my compliment is appreciated :-)

[@thebastardgift]

I so love the visiting of other gardens, seeing what I would not have seen, if I didn't have this channel. What a delightful garden! Alexandra, you always ask the kind of questions people would otherwise wonder about. 💙💙💙

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@GardenHappy]

Yes I agree with you about asking all the right questions. Very satisfying!

[@vickiebrannon5217]

This has got to be my favorite video. What lovely ideas and so inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing this talented young man's garden. I love your dress, and you look stunning in that color. Best wishes from hot and humid Middle Tennessee!

[@vbachman6742]

And from scorching hot and humid West Tennessee.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much! UK pretty hot for a change, too! Too hot for me, to be honest.

[@gillian417]

I have recently bought a property which presented a rather ugly problem and left me feeling less than positive about the space. This video has inspired me to add some colour and life into my space. Thank you.

[@wellsfamilylife3623]

As a Londoner this has to be one of my favourite episodes! So much thought has gone into everything - showcasing how even compromise can result in a beautiful result in an urban environment. And Alexandra - love the dress on you 👌🏽

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@magicalprintmaker]

What a lovely interview. His garden is a testament to his design skills. I’m intrigued by the wormery. I would love to know more about how to create one.

[@rosc2022]

I'd like to second that request for more info on the wormery.

[@aiai-j7i]

@@rosc2022 Me too! I feel that is something I could manage on my balcony.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

There is quite a lot about it on the internet, I've had a look to see if any KZbinrs I can recommend have done a video on one, and there is one fairly old one from Huw Richards here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3W3pJiuZZujpqc and I will bear that in mind.

[@wjs5773]

This was one of my favourites of your many excellent videos. You ask such good and pertinent questions. He is a really talented and inventive designer. Thank you both.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aiai-j7i]

You have no idea how very happy your videos make me! This one is such a great example of the sense of community one can find among fellow gardeners. I love how much knowledge he was sharing with us. I only have a raised garden container on a balcony but it brings me such great joy to watch insects discovering the plants I installed for them. ❤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and your containers sound lovely

[@joycemorrow5840]

I just love these videos. Perennials in pots had become one of my best meditation down time.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@glen4075]

He’s done an amazing job. Looks beautiful.

[@eimeark2094]

Alexandra, I’ve been watching your videos for a while now, and felt I should tell you how much I enjoy them and look forward to my weekly notification that you’ve uploaded something new. I garden on the west coast of Canada, zone 8, where my front garden gets nightly visits from deer who have not read the lists of plants they’re not supposed to eat. I learn something new from your videos every week and love all the interesting gardens that you showcase. This week’s garden was a beautiful study in determination and dedication 😀

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! Yes, I gather that the deer are generally quite dismissive of 'plants that deer don't eat!'

[@carmenbailey1560]

Fantastic job, transforming his patio. It just show when someone has the passion it is possible. Thanks for sharing very inspiring. 👍❤️😊

[@bleepbloop1196]

Would love a video on how to make a little pond like that 🌸

[@elsamarie4963]

Yes please have him do a video tutorial

[@eliev7844]

Alexandra, your videos are ALWAYS the first ones I click on from my notification lists, and you never disappoint! It’s so interesting watching these interview-type videos, as the content is always different coming from such variety of sources. Really enjoyed this particular one. Amazing transformation from desert to oasis within such strict setup, ie rented accommodation. And picked up a few pollinator-friendly tips too such as the agastache Black Ader.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you both so much!

[@jacquelinelee9510]

WOW! This garden is inspiring to me because the ground around my new home on a farm is as dry & hard as a rock. Now I'm going to switch to growing things in pots!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Really good idea

[@josiebridges3583]

I love Shaun's ideas since I have a tiny yard where I garden in large pots. Thank you for the playlist, Alexandra.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@GardenHappy]

It looks like a lot of us who watch this video grow in pots, wonderful video I agree with you very inspiring for sure for us!

[@demesrvl6761]

@Josie Bridges I can't seem to find the playlist; where did you find it?! Thank you!

[@gardengatesopen]

It always amazes me how toads just show up in my garden! I know they hibernate, but I'm still amazed nonetheless. My Winter yard gets pretty bare, you can see right down to the soil in most places. All the herbaceous greenery has disappeared. For a short time I kinda like it bcuz it's such a stark contrast to the Summer jungle. It's a time in the garden that feels like a clean slate, as if a minimalist gardens here. (Even tho my garden is far from a minimalist style!) To see my yard in Winter, you would never think frogs or toads, or ANY fauna live here. But every Spring there they are! Little tiny toads just hopping about in all lush new green!!

[@pamd1861]

Great video and garden! Inspiring what you can do in a small space. You always have great guests😊

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@GardenHappy]

Yes I agree with you the small spaces are the best because it makes it more relatable to us.

[@karenhendry7686]

Loved this! My own garden has no pots either. I have lovely shrubs, some small trees, climbers.....all sorts of precious and perfect blooms 😊 It's my sanctuary and my joy 💕

[@bluesky7226]

Thank you Alexandra! Wonderful that your guest stressed the importance of watering pots thoroughly and daily in hot weather! 💝

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@melaniem8963]

Excellent, excellent video topic. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 it's so inspiring to a novice like me to see something on a more realistic scale. He's managed to get so much into his small garden - I love that you could totally forget the original size of the garden w/ his wonderful planting ideas - it seems so enclosed + private yet spacious all at the same time. Such a good video, thank you Alexandra! Pls do more videos like this. 😊

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@clairemcconway6266]

What a great video, lovely garden and Sean is very talented. I live not far from the Ravensbourne river as well. Would love to visit this garden sometime!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

He's also on Instagram as @potwelluk so it may be worth connecting with him there.

[@tedeum6710]

Wow ! What an amazing video. I learned so much from Shaun (and I ALWAYS learn so much from YOU!) Because I live in the US in Zone 5b, we are not able to leave out pots in the Winter months. Nevertheless, the information today was great and I love learning from all great gardeners ! MANY THANKS !!

[@carolpipher4839]

~I simply love this!! What a beautiful enjoyable garden space!! 🌿👍🌱👍🌿

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@Helen-mh8mq]

"I heard a frog!"That was such a lovely interview!!❤

[@scottydog6539]

So smart to use the pallets to build a bench. Love that garden. So gorgeous. Very very beautiful.

[@missprettyplants7217]

love the container garden so much! what a beautiful design and such a haven for the pollinators 🐝🦋🐸

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@katipohl2431]

Here in Germany we do the horseshoe magic too.

[@hanaluong2672]

So creative! The true love for gardening by English people.

[@judymooney2993]

Thank you for bringing so many methods and ideas for gardening. You spotlight a wide variety of gardens, plants and living spaces. Love your channel.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@jennifergraham3752]

Beautiful and inspiring garden! “Cheeky bumblebees” 🐝❤️

[@margaretalmond9716]

Thank you so much for this wonderful and educational video. Such generous sharing of information from you both. I am still smiling! Mx

[@liberte1334]

Wonderful and inspiring!

[@marymary5494]

Ooh, orange is definitely your colour Alexandra. Inspirational video. 👌💕

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lesliekendall5668]

I'm sure I've said it before but you're absolutely my favorite channel. And I love the dress!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@susancheer5981]

A very nice video to show us what you can do with limited space using your imagination. I always take away something from these fun and informative chats Alexandra. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@2010lrain]

Lovely garden and listening I've learnt from him too. Always wanted a wormery. One day!

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

He’s great! I too have mostly pots now since we have downsized!

[@katieseaman7284]

This gentleman IS BRILLIANT!!!

[@wendyhannan2454]

This is fantastic, what a beautiful job this young man has done ✅ The transformation is a credit to him. So much thought and work has gone into this project. I just love it. 😉

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@giennefarcais6834]

Watching this again and still so impressed with it. Love this young man's ingenuity and love of gardening!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I agree!

[@sbartdbarcelona44]

Love this episode! So informative.

[@donaldauguston9740]

Alexandra, this was an especially good episode. Thank you! Shaun's garden is remarkable, and he is so articulate that the content of your conversation was riveting. Thank you both and have a wonderful week. DA

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@1tuinman]

Beautifully crafted garden! The horseshoe pointing up is also a Dutch, Belgian and French thing, very nice to see:-)

[@kerryjean2223]

I chuck absolutely everything into my compost food wise and have hundreds of worms x 🔷💙🙏😇🇦🇺🕊️

[@kerryjean2223]

I have huge amounts of pots, ponds and frogs x 🔷💙🙏😇🇦🇺🕊️

[@janereel1903]

When I had a house in suburbs I composted everything-dairy, meat, processed food with the usual garden clippings, veggie/fruit waste. Lots of worms in it. It was pretty big with 3 bins for new, working and finished compost. No problems.

[@mattod5491]

I found that Bokashi composting some stuff prior to adding to a wormery works well

[@kerryjean2223]

@@gordonwood1594 yep, cooked food, meat, bones, the bones keep getting returned, onion, garlic, lemons, everything x 🧡💛🧡🙏😇🇦🇺🕊️

[@helloplantlovers]

Fabulous garden - I'm in the same rental position with a temporary potted garden and I find the watering of the pots of a morning very calming! Great video as ever Alexandra! Mx

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I agree watering can be quite meditative. And also a good source of general procrastination because I can tell myself I am doing something.

[@mrsi82]

Oh wow, definitely garden goals! Renting can make space so dull but this looks gorgeous

[@jennifersauer3257]

The nicotiana is gorgeous (all of the garden, really!) …and those nasturtiums!!! The foliage is enormous! Thanks for sharing this garden. ☺️

[@anilori262]

Inspirational and beautiful. Thank you for finding these artists

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@folee_edge]

Interesting. I agree - augmentation with potted plants is a great idea.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It was such a pleasure to visit, too.

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Such a thrilling and romantic garden he has cultivated! That agastache is a total winner. Thanks for sharing such quality uploads Alexandra!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@yvonnerolley9676]

Such a good interviewer

[@fredmckibben6872]

Planting like this requires constant care; watering, pruning, fertilizing.....and requires commitment and dedication

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, I agree, pots definitely are much more work than planting into the ground, but if you don't have access to the ground and you love plants, then it doesn't matter so much.

[@simwest5813]

Great ideas! In Atlanta, USA the clay soil is very challenging. Growing in pots certainly helps many perennials that need better drainage avoiding wet feet over winter.

[@elizabethsinclair4320]

Great as usual, and I love your dress!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@jacksonpeterson6899]

Hi! What a gorgeous picture you've on your profile 😘. Just decided to stop by and say hi!!! I hope my compliment is appreciated :-)

[@valeriemeehan7882]

What a gorgeous garden and a very interesting interview too. Thank you.

[@andreahockman8790]

❤ absolutely loved his ideas. Getting a lot of inspiration from this video. Thanks so much.

[@SpanishEclectic]

Though I moved from a tiny yard to a large property, I still use containers for most of my plants. We have hard clay soil, and high heat (sometimes even in winter) means I often need to move plants into the shade . I use large resin containers in light colors for roses, citrus trees, grapes, wisteria, rosemary, berries, clematis, and others. Some plastic, though I avoid the thin black ones. The large pots I water once a week (twice right now) and smaller pots get an extra trickle as needed with a watering can, using rain water from my barrels (or recycled water from pet bowls or cooking vegetables). Here in California I've found discount stores like Ross & Marshall's have a quality glazed ceramic pots imported from Viet Nam for good prices, though some are 'seconds'. It's a bargain hunt, and you need to go often starting in February. I've found some gorgeous ones over the last five or six years.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Very good advice, especially about having to visit places often in order to spot bargains. Some people find amazing things in junk shops - because they visit often enough to be able to spot anything new or special.

[@msa8466]

My garden is all containers , It's my pride and joy. I have a mix of trees and perennials. It's an expensive hobby.

[@suehy4054]

Wow! That’s an amazing transformation. Inspiring for small spaces.

[@lydiarowe491]

Making this garden is what can bring another life force into what a very sterile environment..inspiring in every way..🌷

[@maunarose]

A frog! Lovely garden, thank you so much.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you too!

[@jeremypearson6852]

I own my house, but decided a long time ago that containers are better due to several reasons. Firstly, they are portable and plants can be changed if they fall out of favor. Also, it stops a plant from becoming too invasive. I’ve found that out the hard way living in Florida where things can take off quickly. The one downside is when hurricanes come and stuff needs to be moved into the garage. An expat watching in Ft Lauderdale.

[@toneminde8939]

This was so useful and thank you for all your lovely videos. He had made so much out of this challenging garden.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

He has!

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good morning Alexander, Shaun seems to be a person that can grow something out of any container!! My-My, what a gorgeous inviting plant haven he has created. I am so pleased Shaun mentioned the topping up of good soil instead of changing everything in the pot. I do that with my soil, empty pots into the wheelbarrow with a good amount of fresh compost and another bag of something good, mix it all up and then re-use. You looked stunning in your mandarin coloured dress and love your necklace. This is a lovely garden talk presentation - as always - very encouraging to do something new. Our weather has been really "not nice alas, we are om the last week of July so it should be coming a little warmer. We should just get ready for October then things will really start growing and we can enjoy. Hopefully the weather will be lovely this season, will let you know. Enjoy your visits to the various gardens, what a lovely way to get around. Many blessing, kind regards.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much, and hope your weather picks up soon. Ours has been too hot, and it's not often we have to say that!

[@user-qs7rp5vt7m]

Your garden is an inspiration. I had my eye on your tomatoes throughout the episode! Don't worry about AstroTurf. I have it dotted around my cottage garden to hide 'difficult' areas. Visitors are looking for the wow factor when they see a garden.

[@angela64355]

Lovely episode. Anyone who is really wanting to learn more about plants, should watch The Plantsman’s Diaries. The guy on this KZbin channel has a nursery in the north of England., he has been a gardener for 40 years and is a wealth of information. If you don’t mind his ‘colorful’ language and want to learn more.

[@greigmn]

Well done young fella, looks beautiful

[@alisonwise3444]

Charming 💚 I think tag sales and thrift shops can also be good sources for inexpensive pots.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good point!

[@jeanettebeevor-reid5866]

I have really enjoyed this video thank you for sharing. The garden looks amazing absolutely beautiful a credit to the designer/owner his dedication to syle certainly shows, so cozy too. I've come away with lots of ideas for my own garden .

[@anneconoulty4722]

Really enjoyed this vlog, so so useful,thank u both.

[@humbalapa]

Wow! Stunning!!

[@Dylstardelux]

Lovely garden - everything in my back yard is in pots too. Love the wormery, I need to look into this! Thank you.

[@MsGnor]

Wonderful interview, thanks Alexandra for showing us Shaun's potted paradise!! 🐞🐝🌻🌹🥰❤

[@melindavillasenor7996]

Thank you for interviewing a gardener with a small patio!! It’s great to get inspiration for my own small patio garden:)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jacksonpeterson6899]

Hi! What a gorgeous picture you've on your profile 😘. Just decided to stop by and say hi!!! I hope my compliment is appreciated :-)

[@flowerpower3618]

I actually prefer simple terracotta pots. They age so beautifully

[@davidjones4650]

(This is Eileen) The video is so informative. I will be referring to it many times as I add lots of pots to my patio.

[@memebzk5001]

This is absolutely beautiful!!

[@fhol]

What a great video, thank you. Such a lovely garden and a wonderful designer💕

[@pippatick]

How wonderful! I also rent in London and slowly but surely helping the garden grow. How exciting to hear and see what can be done with ingenuity and imagination. Thanks!

[@teresaholland4790]

What a beautiful sunny garden

[@AlliWritesNow]

Absolutely stunning!

[@sandrar3628]

This garden is beautiful!!!

[@elizabethpaints]

Great video! First year trying to have a garden in my back yard in Texas, and decided to use pots. This interview with Shaun was an excellent introduction to get started! Looking forward to watching more!

[@irenadler4723]

May I say that it was an absolute pleasure to watch this video! Bravos!

[@theannecrossett7761]

Great fun and container plants quite beautiful 🙂

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

Such Fun! So Lovely!

[@TOTM]

Now, THIS is the kind of recommendations I appreciate from KZbin! This was so pleasant and informative at the same time. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@rnggall9640]

Delightful as always. Thank you

[@larkmurry7808]

Merci, Shaun and Alexandra! Delicious...

[@mypreciousgarden]

Thanks a lot for this video, it's interesting to see what one can do with pots and he managed to create a very nice place for humans and insects and frogs ! :))

[@StarpoBerry]

I have a very small space in my rental and I can't plant things, so I appreciate this 🙏🏼 I will be looking to this person for inspiration

[@jacquescraftyexpressions5990]

I ❤️your garden with pots. I too have started a small garden with pots. Thanks for the garden ideas and suggestions.

[@MichaelJohnson-wk8tk]

His garden is both beautiful and inspiring.

[@bettinaschmid1158]

Beautiful!

[@ginacrusco234]

Thoughtful gardener and lovely garden.

[@twilde3754]

Lovely!!

[@jordanxfile]

Such a lovely achievement in that space. Thank you for sharing 🥰