Transforming your Balcony Garden
Instead of cluttering a small space with numerous tiny pots, consider using a few large ones. Larger pots not only enhance the aesthetic of your balcony by making it feel more spacious but also promote healthier plant growth by providing deeper, moister soil. A couple of large, thriving plants will create a much more impressive impact than a multitude of small, struggling ones.
Choosing the Right Pots and Plants
Before purchasing pots, opt for lightweight materials like fiberglass instead of heavy terracotta. These are easier to move and help avoid exceeding any weight limits that might apply to your space.
You can grow almost any plant you like, provided it suits the sun, shade, and wind conditions of your balcony. However, if installing an irrigation system isn’t feasible—whether at home or the office—your choice of plants will be limited by how much water you’re willing to manually supply. Ensure your balcony has proper drainage; without it, you might need to stick to water-wise options like succulents to avoid issues with overflowing saucers.
Given the maintenance needed for potted plants, hardy varieties are often your best bet. Succulents are excellent for their resilience, while something like Podocarpus (brown pine) works well for larger plant needs. Consider the function your plants will serve—privacy can be achieved with long trough planters, while blank walls can be softened with vertical gardens or climbing plants to blur the boundaries of your space.
Just as in larger gardens, it’s the details that make the space.
Furniture and Finishing Touches
Just as in larger gardens, it’s the details that make the space. Mirrors are a great tool to visually expand your balcony, reduce the feeling of confinement, and double the impact of your greenery. A small water feature can also enhance the ambiance, masking urban noise and adding a sense of tranquility—consider a wall-mounted feature or a freestanding piece with its own reservoir.
When selecting furniture, think about how the space will be used. If your balcony serves as a quick escape, a simple stool might suffice. For more substantial use, such as dining or meetings, benches are preferable to chairs—they can be tucked away when not in use and offer more seating when needed.
If space allows, a daybed can be the ultimate luxury, turning your balcony into a true outdoor retreat for relaxation or brainstorming sessions
Explore the Hibernate Outdoors range of pots and planters on ArchiPro.