Could you add a sun sail for some shade?

Go to Houzz Photos, scroll down to Patio, and enter "small balcony" in the search box. There are 18 photos there to give you an idea what can be done in a tiny space.

I would like to look for more photos for you (fun activity for me), but need a bit more information. Is your unit at ground level? Can you plant directly into the soil, or must you use pots or planters? Can you put up a gazebo - the kind one assembles and sets up similar to a tent?

I cannot put a gazebo up, they have strict rules. I have a beautiful green lawn but there is nothing else there and it is so plain looking without any color. I don't want to just stick a few potted plants there they will look lost. All the yards are connected so it is one vast area of green lawn. I can put maybe a raised garden bed but won't that look lost too? I do thank you for answering me and hopefully you can come up with some kind of design. I cannot put anything permanent there (meaning structures). Cannot plant trees so maybe I can plant flowering shrubs.......maybe a sitting area but don't know where to begin. Bought condo 2 years ago, it is very nice but I am alone so I have to do everything on my own. I have to watch my budget. Looking forward to hearing more ideas. :)

I looked at some balcony designs (6x6 square feet, as you have) but they did not seem to fit your situation.

Would it be possible for you to post a jpeg photo? Photos really help Houzzers give better advice.

Here are some ideas for you. I looked at Houzz PHOTOS, Landscape, and entered "container garden" into the search box."
http://houzz.com/photos/1241215
http://houzz.com/photos/3699193
http://houzz.com/photos/1433002
http://houzz.com/photos/2582488
http://houzz.com/photos/2582451
http://houzz.com/photos/1994319
http://houzz.com/photos/1723598

Thank you so much

My pleasure.