Inspired Balcony Gardens

by J. A. Young

Lack of real estate should not prevent anyone from maintaining a garden. Even the smallest patios or apartment balconies can be transformed into small garden sanctuaries. With a little forethought and a love for plants and simple garden features, you can turn your balcony into the most enjoyable aspect of your home.

Like any garden, you need to consider sun, water and climate. If your balcony is sandwiched between two other balconies, you may want to consider constructing a shady oasis that offers some privacy. A sunny balcony calls for sun-loving plants. You may want to incorporate a small water feature to offset the heat. Once you assess the conditions of your balcony, you can begin to think of putting your ideas into action.

Because you are dealing with a small confined space, you will necessarily want to confine your plants, props and features to small items. Choose plants that are easy to maintain - not bushy, aggressive species for example. An excellent small garden that provides more than beauty is a simple container herb garden. The attractive greenery matched with the subtle fragrances of herbs will go far to creating a quiet balcony retreat.

Consider the following props and plant choices for a balcony herb garden:

wrought iron plant stand filled with small stone containers or thyme, oregano, marjoram, lemon grass, rosemary
a long stone container planted with lavender atop a small wrought iron bench
a small wrought iron table and chairs set
an oil lamp for the table
hanging baskets of perennials in shades of purple.

A balcony is the ideal place for an Oriental-inspired garden. Small Japanese courtyards or hidden Chinese alley gardens can inspire even the most modest balconies. Again, consider small and simple props and plants with Oriental sensibilities. Most Oriental gardens feature natural adornments of wood, stone and water. Choose items made from these materials for a Zen-like balcony retreat.

Consider this Oriental garden arrangement:

(if possible) paint your balcony red and seal (you might want to incorporate very small wood burns of herons, crickets or dragons here and there, but don’t overdo it)
a medium-sized boulders centered with a dip for water collection
two stone benches fitted with embroidered Chinese designed cushions
large stone container growing bamboo
small square stone table
a large bowl housing a single large water lily for table
hanging paper lanterns, several small stone containers filled with chrysanthemums, poppies or simple planting.

For a cool balcony oasis, consider filling your small niche with small ferns and simple green foliage plants. Your corner of a rainforest can sit right atop your balcony. A wicker chaise longue and a neighboring stool for a pitcher of water can be the perfect place to relax. Fill with hanging baskets of ferns and surround the chaise with terracotta containers of green foliage plants; however, be sure to choose varieties that grow upwards rather than outwards. A single ornament of hanging crystal wind chimes can make this the ideal place to unwind.

A balcony can also be recreated in the Southwestern style. Adobe-colored paint and props in muted desert colors can make a warm sunny balcony your corner of New Mexico. Consider the following: terracotta tiles, glazed pottery, various large river rocks, cacti and succulents, mural of the sun, Spanish lanterns, Native American blanket used as a table cloth, and two low wood benches for sitting.

No matter whether you go with a theme for your balcony or not - keep your design simple. Adding too much can make your balcony appear cluttered and overcrowded. Consider how you want to use it - a place to read, serve lunch, meditate, sew - your use of the space should dictate your design. For dramatic aesthetics, choose a single color like white or purple - this will add to the space’s simplicity. No matter what design you choose, be sure your balcony is safe and built securely to accommodate any added weight from additional plants, furniture, etc.

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