Balcony Garden Ideas | Summer 2023

Regardless of its size, a garden has been proven to have a profound positive impact on our mental health. Whether you dream of blooming flowers, a thriving kitchen garden, or simply a tranquil spot to unwind, even the tiniest garden, balcony, or roof terrace can become your very own piece of paradise.

There are a few challenges when it comes to planting in balconies but fear not! Equip yourself with the perfect small garden ideas, design tips, and tricks, and you’ll possess the tools necessary to transform it into a sanctuary for year-round enjoyment. Whether you have a balcony garden, a cozy patio, or a petite front garden, with some planning and thoughtful planting, you can fashion a space to be truly proud of.

Where to Start?

When it comes to transforming your balcony into a garden, it’s important to start with a clear plan and vision. Begin by assessing the size, layout, and conditions of your balcony. Take note of factors such as sunlight exposure, wind patterns, and available space. This will help you determine what types of plants will thrive in your specific environment. Consider what you want to achieve with your garden. Are you looking to create a lush oasis, grow herbs and vegetables, or simply add some greenery to your space? Having a clear goal in mind will guide you throughout the process.

Choose a Style

Knowing what you like and don’t like will help you visualize the final result. Have browse online at some inspiration images, try and analyse what you like or dislike about certain styles of balcony gardens and compare them to your space. How could you re-create the things you love, in your own space? Do you prefer a modern and minimalist look, or do you lean towards a more rustic and natural feel? Choosing a style will help you make decisions about plant selection, container choices, and decorative elements later on.

Modern

Modern and minimal balcony gardens often display a considered, muted colour pallet. The use of grey, black and white tones is dominant and the plant selection varies. If you would like to achieve this look, consider using the same style of pots, to create visual interest experiment with sizes, heights and plants styles. 

Modern, minimal balcony garden.
Modern, Minimal Balcony - Use of grey and white planters, similar style of plants throughout, modern furniture
Modern Planters - Use a variation of size and height to create a more striking look
A Modern Balcony - use of pattern, texture and floor treatement makes the space inviting and cosy
Rustic and Overgrown

A more relaxed approach to balcony gardens. This style often displays overgrown vegetation and plants, pots and accessories are usually mismatched. This style is a great way to add some character to your property. Rustic and/or overgrown style is really just a practice of making the best of what you may already own. This style can be completely personalized. If you would like to achieve this style from scratch, consider taking a slower approach to acquiring pots and planters. Buying second-hand or exploring your local market could help you create your very own sanctuary that grows with time. Terracotta pots and vintage plant stands add some contrast and help to play with different heights in the space.

Plan Your Layout

Now that you’re all inspired and decided on what you would like your balcony garden to look you can begin planning! Consider the available space and how you want to utilize it. Sketch out a rough layout of where you envision placing plants, containers, seating areas, and any other elements you want to incorporate. This will give you a visual representation of how your balcony garden will come together. Once the idea is roughly sketched out on paper you can begin making a purchase list and setting a budget.

Choose Suitable Containers and Pots

Selecting the right containers is essential for balcony gardening success. Consider the size, material, and drainage capabilities of the containers. Hanging baskets, window boxes, and vertical planters are popular choices for balconies as they maximize space.

Choosing Your Plants

Choose plants that are well-suited for container gardening and thrive in the conditions of your balcony. Consider sunlight requirements, wind tolerance, and space limitations. opt for a mix of flowering plants, herbs, vegetables, and foliage plants to create visual interest. You can grow almost any plant in a balcony garden as long as it’s in a suitable container and is provided with enough water, sun and shade. 

Consider Vertical Gardening

Maximize space by incorporating vertical gardening techniques. Install trellises, wall-mounted planters, or hanging systems to create a vertical garden. This not only saves space but also adds a dynamic and visually appealing element to your balcony.

Creating a balcony garden is a creative and fulfilling endeavour. Embrace the process, experiment with different plants and arrangements, and allow yourself to adapt and evolve your garden over time.