Balcony gardens - plants, containers and plant placement

Balconies are normally a combination of utility and outdoor areas for apartment dwellers.

Some large villas may also have a number of balconies or sun decks on their upper floors. As a utility area, the balcony may be used to dry clothes or as a temporary storage space. As an outdoor living area, it is normally only used for the cooler months of the year. Most balconies either open onto a bedroom or directly onto the living room and become an extension of the home. A carefully constructed garden on the balcony can be enjoyed outdoors or viewed from indoors.

In the absence of constructed planters, planting is container-based.

Plant selection

• Aspect plays an important role, as does the proximity of nearby buildings. Some balconies are exposed to bright sunlight for most of the day, whereas others may be sheltered or receive shade from adjacent buildings, or receive little or no direct sunlight at all - and then add to this the seasonal sun transit. Plant selection is influenced mainly by the amount of direct sunlight received during the day. Planting can also be influenced by factors such as wind, which is a common problem around densely clustered buildings where "wind tunnels" can form at certain times of the year.

• As most patio gardens are paved or tiled direct planting is impossible, leaving the only option container plants. Plants can be planted individually into a number of separate containers, alternatively, they can be mixed, and a number of larger containers planted with groupings of plants. If planting mixed containers always groups plants of a similar nature that have the same water requirements, this will prevent over or under-watering.

• As many patios are relatively small use bright colors and plants with small leaves to give the appearance of space. Plants can also be included to provide scent or fragrance in the evening.

• Consider using native and "waterwise" plants as these are more suited to being left unattended for a few days.

Planter/ container selection

• All plants and containers may be prone to blowing over in the wind and may require extra ballast or other means to stabilize them. Avoid planting tall plants in small containers, this raises the center of gravity and will make them more prone to being blown over and damaged. In high wind areas use heavier containers, such as fiber-cement; square-based containers are more sturdy than round tapered bases.

• Large, medium, and small containers and plants can be mixed to create an interesting “landscape”; the golden rule is to arrange the containers in descending order with the larger and taller plants at the back and the smaller ones towards the front.

Plant placement

• Glass and light-colored walls reflect the light and can still cause plants in seemingly sheltered areas to burn. Avoid placing plants directly in front of glass balustrades as the glass can magnify the effects of direct sunlight.

• Plants with grey, grey-green, light, or succulent-like leaves are normally more suited to areas that receive direct sunlight.

• Plants and containers can be arranged to either create a garden or along the perimeter of the balcony to extend some privacy from neighbors. Climbing or trailing plants can be used up against the balcony railings for the same purpose.

• Plants that are located in shaded areas will flower less than their counterparts growing in the sun.