Fully exposed or partly roofed, balconies are some of the best spots for soaking in some direct sun and fresh air while remaining within the confines of a home or building. As these are often the sole “outdoor” spaces in modern-day condominiums and high-rises, you’ll find that they are often converted into miniature, urban “gardens”. Given the right tools and decorative items, they can be transformed into eye-catching and cozy spots from which to appreciate the view.
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Make a statement with trailing, tropical greens. Cascading stems and bright, fleshy foliage create a remarkably refreshing look for urban balconies. Plants that are known for thriving in the branches of trees are especially suitable for suspended arrangements.
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For easy maintenance, stick to a few, low-growing herbs and flowering ornamentals. Situate each of these in dedicated pots so that they can easily be moved from one spot of the home to another. During winter, keep in mind that some pots may need to be brought indoors.
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Maximize corners by cultivating a plant selection with varied heights. Of course, the tallest species can be placed at the back of the arrangement, whereas smaller tufts of herbs can be placed in front.
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Introduce several types of containers or pots to your balcony garden. Some of these can be strung up on a chain or propped onto a wide corner. Strategic placement should add color and texture to key areas.
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Thick bunches of arching stems, such as those of tripinnate ferns, are great for adding texture. Productive and seemingly bursting with energy, these wonderfully contrast cast-iron eaves and railings.
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Encourage trailing plants to produce a waterfall of leafy stems, covering the entire outer edge of your balcony. Over time, this could transform into a garden that looks as though it is magically suspended in air.
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Grow several varieties of a single species to highlight the different colors of its blooms. This makes for a truly timeless and classy look. Some of the containers can be propped onto the base of the railing or attached to its upper edges.
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Greet the onset of spring with containers and hanging pots of petunias – the perfect balcony plants! Try to get as many colors as possible for an unforgettable display.
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Train your vines to creep along the edges of your balcony’s roof. These will send out seasonal inflorescences that dance in the slightest breeze.
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Prop up your pots on recycled or refashioned pot holders. This technique should prevent excess moisture from draining out onto your balcony’s floor. You may use old bowls or trays for this purpose.
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Keep a no-fuss selection of multi-purpose herbs, like mint, dill, and baby kale. Sustainably snip fresh leaves for your culinary creations. Place your pots directly on the floor of your balcony or on a small table (for easy reach).
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Hang pots of leafy rosettes and spritely greens right off of the balcony’s edge. Go for shorter cultivars so that they won’t block too much of the view.
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If it’s privacy or vertical interest you wish for, opt for taller tufts of leafy plants in adequately deep pots. To create a natural screen, place these in rows along the outermost edges of the balcony.
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Turn your balcony into your own sanctuary, where you can have meals or cozy up with a book while surrounded by plants. Place pots of greens along the outer edges, train vines to trail around windows, and hang pots from the corners of eaves. When selecting plants, think about the direction they’ll be facing and how much direct sun they’ll receive each day.
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Don’t hesitate to place little treasures of garden décor in pots and containers. These add character to arrangements and may one day serve as conversation pieces.
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Combat the challenges of a limited space by growing multiple species within a single container. Diverse containers of blooms should beckon pollinators to visit your balcony. Make sure the varieties you select share the same soil and water preferences.
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Play with different types of lighting. Portable solar lights can be used in balconies receiving a few hours of direct sunlight each day. Strategically place these in pots and containers, from which they can provide ambient lighting – setting the tone for late-night drinks!
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Lanterns or hanging containers for candles would complement your plants beautifully. When choosing functional décor, stick to colors and materials that blend in with the structure of your balcony.
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Maximize your space by adding a shelf of plants. Pots, air plants, driftwood, or even kokedama (Japanese-style, moss-covered balls) can be used to fill out the spaces. Aim for a well-balanced finish that ensures all plants can receive some sunshine.
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Hanging brackets, flower pot holders, and any chain links used to hold heavy baskets should be sturdy and weather-tolerant. Stick to minimalist designs that won’t overshadow your plants. As a rule of thumb, for safety reasons, avoid placing markedly heavy containers in edge brackets.
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Use a simple lattice to encourage trailing plants to grow upwards. Over time, they’ll send out tendrils and aerial roots to scale the crisscrossing nodes of metal or wood.
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Arrange your plants based on how much sunlight and protection they need. Shade-tolerant plants can be placed in zones receiving minimal light. Those requiring more sun can be propped up on shelves, where they can receive morning or afternoon sun from a better angle.
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Embrace the messy look by allowing ivy to colonize the base of a small balcony. Trim lengthening stems as desired. Note that species with adhesive pads may latch onto your walls and damage the paint (upon removal).
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If you live in a brick building, go for colors and materials with warm tones. Terracotta pots, red stools, and brown shelves can collectively transform a rustic space. For some bohemian character, consider adding beaded or fabric curtains to a balcony door.
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Use plants to create an asymmetric frame around your balcony door. As a natural vignette, a lovely liana can slowly creep along one side and corner. A single, small pot would be a fine choice to frame another side of the wall.
Final Thoughts
As spaces that concretize the concept of indoor-outdoor living, balconies can significantly increase the value and overall comfort of a home. Once they are outfitted with a nuanced selection of plants, furniture, and décor, they become areas that invite introspection, important breaks for fresh air and sun, and admiration for the view. Balcony gardens highlight the versatility and functionality of all sorts of plants. As long as they receive ample care, they’ll thrive in a dynamic way – one that may mirror the life in a home’s interiors.
