Maximizing Greenery: Create a Serene Balcony Garden in a Limited Space
In urban living, where space is often a luxury, a small balcony can be a precious outdoor oasis.
Transforming it into a vibrant and inviting balcony garden not only adds beauty to your living space but also provides a breath of fresh air and a connection to nature.
With a bit of creativity and thoughtful planning, you can make the most out of the limited space that you have available and turn your balcony into a green haven.
So we have put together these easy to follow steps and tips to help get you started:
First Assess Your Space:
Before diving into balcony gardening, take a good look at your balcony’s layout, size, and orientation.
Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, wind patterns, and the overall aesthetic of your living space.
Understanding your balcony’s unique characteristics will help you make informed decisions about plant selection and layout.
Decide on a Theme or Colour Palette:
Establishing a theme or color palette can help unify your balcony garden, making it visually appealing and cohesive.
Whether it’s a tropical oasis, a herb garden, or a collection of vibrant flowers, having a clear vision will guide your plant selection and overall design.
Choose The Right Plants
Select plants that thrive in the specific conditions of your balcony.
Again consider factors like sunlight, wind exposure, and temperature fluctuations. Herbs, succulents, and compact flowering plants are excellent choices for small balconies.
Additionally, choose plants with different heights and textures to create a visually appealing and dynamic balcony garden.
Use Multiple-Level Planters
Opt for container gardening to make the most of your balcony’s limited floor space.
Choose a variety of containers in different shapes and sizes to add visual interest.
And if you select lightweight and durable materials such as plastic, resin, or lightweight ceramic, it will also make moving and rearranging your balcony garden easier.
Here are some examples and ideas of how to set up your plants in different levels – starting from the top and working our way down to the floor:
1. Plant Hangers
Plant hangers are perfect to give height to your greenery!
Choose from different shapes and materials to keep thing interesting.
Like these beauties that we have available in That Little Shop:
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Quick ViewAdd to basketCube Hanging Pot Plant Holder
R879.00 -
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Pill Hanging Pot Plant Holder
R879.00 -
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Diamond Hanging Pot Plant Holder
R879.00
2. Vertical Wall Gardening:
Apart from the space saving benefit, vertical wall planters are also easy to water AND water-wise.
Water will conveniently trickle down the levels as you water the top level of plants.
They have also been proven to contribute to a cooler microclimate. The transpiration process, where plants release water vapor, helps moderate temperatures and create a more comfortable outdoor space.
3. Balcony Railing Planters:
Balcony Railing Planters come in a variety of designs & hooks onto / hang from the railing of your balcony.
This means that they do not take up precious and possibly limited floor space. And if you decide to hang them on the outside of your railing, they effectively do not take up ANY of your balcony space!
Needless to say, they also contribute to the multi-level concept, falling into the mid-level space of your balcony garden.
4. Plant Stands:
Plant Stands are another great way to lift your plants off the floor as well as to create multiple-levels in your balcony garden!
You can even find some that are also multi functional, like the “shelfie” in our examples below (all available in our online store):
5. Floor Standing Containers:
So here the possibilities are obviously endless…
If you have a narrow balcony, the long narrow windowsill planters are ideal so that you still have space to move past the planters.
You can also consider re-purposing an old leaning ladder or small rack with shelves, that can fit into a corner. And then arrange all your smaller pots on the shelves/steps of the rack/ladder.
Lastly, Incorporate some Lighting:
Extend the enjoyment of your balcony garden into the evening by incorporating creative lighting solutions.
String lights, lanterns, or LED planters can add a magical ambiance to your outdoor space. Be mindful of the type of lighting you choose to enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of your balcony garden.
