Need Garden Advice, please

There is a big patch in our garden between where the aggregate ends and the shrubs begin that we aren't sure what to do with. We don't want to spend a lot of money, but want to make it look a bit more attractive. We don't own the place, so buying and planting more shrubs is just not really an option. Any ideas would be really appreciated.
Here's a picture:



Sorry about the little picture, I'm having issues trying to resize it... 

What about getting a few large pots and plant flowers like geramiums for color and then in a couple of really large pots that you can plant something like an ornamental acer or smallish conifers.  These you can take with you when you move.

What about getting a few large pots and plant flowers like geramiums for color and then in a couple of really large pots that you can plant something like an ornamental acer or smallish conifers.  These you can take with you when you move.

Thanks! I like the idea of acer or small conifers. I'm not big on geraniums... the smell gets to me. The problem I think that I am having is that any large pots cost a minimum of £20 each and I probably need 4 or 5 plus plants on top of that.

Any good source for planters?? I keep checking Gumtree, but nothing.

Are you sure about those prices? I have a lot of containers in my garden and I didn't pay £20 for any of them - not even the very large ones! I think the most I paid was £12 or £15, but you can get middle-sized ones for under £10 easily. Even if it is a big investment, you'll be taking them with you when/if you move into somewhere you own, so it's not like throwing money away! 

Are you sure about those prices? I have a lot of containers in my garden and I didn't pay £20 for any of them - not even the very large ones! I think the most I paid was £12 or £15, but you can get middle-sized ones for under £10 easily. Even if it is a big investment, you'll be taking them with you when/if you move into somewhere you own, so it's not like throwing money away! 

Any suggestions on where to find good deals? Please...
I think if we move from here, we will probably be moving back to the US and I don't think I will be taking planters with me. 

I think if we move from here, we will probably be moving back to the US and I don't think I will be taking planters with me. 

Oh! I hadn't thought of that! Sorry!

As for good deals ... I don't know. Just check out a few garden centres until you find one with cheap pots? That's generally what I do. Or you could see if there's anything going on FreeCycle.

Pamela, you can probably go to a place like Pound Stretcher and get some bit plastic ones for a couple of quid each.

I second £Stretcher, cheap & cheerful and just the sort of temporary gear you are looking.