Those with a balcony are the lucky ones. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, it’s always nice to go outside and take in the view. However, having a garden shouldn’t stop you from creating one on your balcony. Neither should its size and shape.

 

Modern gardening and designs have various beautiful solutions for properties with balconies. You may not be able to plant everything you want, but it also depends on the sunlight and climate. No matter if you want only to grow flowers, or are more ambitious, these tips will help you out.

 

Start small

Don’t pressure yourself with growing everything you imagined at once. Start with something small and easy until you get used to it. Also, choose the plants that don’t require too much care. That way you will create a routine to water and fertilize them regularly.

 

When you believe you can manage more, add other more demanding plants. Don’t give up if you fail at something. Remember what went wrong and try something else. Of course, plants in Australia and Sweden won't grow in the same way and some species can’t even thrive in those climates. These are the things you should, also, have in mind so you wouldn’t be discouraged.

 

Practical or decorative garden

Before you start buying seeds and sprouts, think about your balcony and what you want to do with it. You can be practical and use it to grow your own food with dwarf fruit plants and vegetables in containers. Herbs are also perfect for balcony gardens and, also, you can let them dry out and use for seasoning.

 

On the other hands, flowers will serve as gorgeous decorations if you want to turn your balcony into the sanctuary from the world. You can use evergreen plants and others which can survive outside. There are some plants you can take outside when the weather gets warmer. But make sure you don’t forget to bring them in during winter.

 

Flooring and shade

If you decide to use plants merely for decoration, you can also use artificial grass for flooring. This will really help you create your private green oasis in the city. Vintage looking tiles and stone flooring are also interesting, and you can even add a wooden floor. Whatever you decide, make sure that it fits the rest of the home décor since a balcony is an extension of your indoor space.

 

When it comes to awnings, retractable roofs systems Sydney area offers will give you enough opportunity to grow different varieties of plants. It’s important that you either renovate to fit the plants or use only those varieties which can grow on your balcony.

 

Plants love sunlight, but too much can burn them and cause the soil to dry. Shade, however, will be a little too much if you’re not well exposed to the sun. Retractable solutions are, therefore, more desirable and will give you access to your balcony at all times.

 

Style it

If you have enough space on your balcony, you can even turn it into the entertaining area where you will throw parties. A sitting set with comfortable upholstery will be a perfect getaway in the afternoon to rest. Add an ottoman and lot of cushions and you will emerge in cosiness. Try not to overstuff the balcony and leave enough space to move easily on it.

 

If you chose to grow flowerless plants, then pay more attention to details like pots and overall balcony decoration. Use two to three colours so you wouldn’t overwhelm the space. Green is the basis, and from then on you add others. You can paint the pots yourself but make sure they don’t stand out too much from the rest of the balcony.

 

Patterns on the cushions, tiles and upholstery should be simple and in earthy colours in order to get along with colourful garden. Alternatively, you can use the flower colours to decorate the walls and sitting area, but try not to make it too colourful.

 

Add top dressing to pots and containers

Pebbles, wooden bark chips, stones and even agricultural grit can serve as perfect top dressings for your pots and containers. This will also stop the soil from drying out and save water in your garden. White pebbles with green meaty plants will give a more Mediterranean feel to your balcony.

 

Top dressing is the most frequently used with succulents. Decorative rocks which you can paint in certain colours or draw shapes on them are a nice touch for beautiful arrangements. You can also choose from smaller to bigger rocky, depending on the plant’s size.

 

Finally

Check with the architect or structural engineer the bearing capacity of your balcony. The weakest point is in the middle of the balcony, so leave that space free. If you can, hire construction workers to add more features and strengthen it.

 

A balcony is a welcoming addition to the home and can turn into a heavenly space where you can find some peace. Don’t underestimate its benefits and use the potential to the maximum. Turn it into the best version of the balcony where you will grow your plants and improve your mood.

Guest post by Victoria Lim

 

 

About the Author

Victoria Lim is a lifestyle writer and a true home improvement and DIY fanatic in a constant pursuit of trying something new. She’s in love with life, love, and self-love. Her fields of expertise include home decor, interior and exterior design, landscaping and walking a dog for miles and miles. Psychology is also a topic she likes to explore along with some nice cup of green tea, where she’s sometimes making difficult decisions about which tea would be perfect for her next cup. You could say she's an avid tea-drinker. Find Victoria on Twitter.

 

 

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