Not everyone is able to have their own garden. But just because you don't have a garden, it doesn't mean you can't do any gardening. If you're fortunate enough to have a balcony, it can be a brilliant place to create a mini garden. Even with just a small amount of space, you can add some beautiful plants to your balcony that you can enjoy. You can even attract some wildlife, ranging from insects to birds and squirrels. If you want to create a balcony garden, have a look at the tips below to get started.
Put Plants at Different Levels
Even with only a small space such as a balcony, you're able to create a dynamic and varied garden. One of the great things about a balcony is that it can still offer at least three levels for you to use. You can place plants in pots and planters on the floor, hang them from the railing or barrier of the balcony, and suspend them from the roof with hanging baskets. You can maximise the space you have to make a tiered garden with a variety of plants. You could have anything from trailing plants in your hanging baskets to a small fruit tree on the floor.
Draw in Wildlife
If you like gardens for the wildlife they attract, don't let having a balcony stop you enjoying it. There are several things you can do if you want to attract some wildlife to your balcony. You might not be accessible to hedgehogs, but your balcony can still be reached by bugs, birds, and squirrels. You might choose to hang a feeder if you want to attract birds. Another option is to choose your plants carefully if you want to attract bees and other insects to your balcony.
Consider the Weather
When you're selecting the plants for your balcony, don't forget to think about the weather. Of course, you need to select plants that will do well in the climate. But you also need to think about the safety of having various containers on your balcony. If the wind picks up, is there a danger of anything going flying? Selecting heavier contains is often best to ensure that they stay in place. However, your balcony might protect everything from the wind.
Create a Seating Space
Some balconies are bigger than others. Perhaps after adding plants, there might not be space for much else. But if there is room, you might want to create somewhere you can sit and enjoy your garden. Just try not to place any seating directly under hanging baskets, or you could end up being dripped on. A bistro table and a couple of small chairs are great additions to your balcony, giving you somewhere to relax on a sunny day. If you can't fit them in, you could consider a single chair, such as a rocking chair or armchair.
You only need a small amount of space to create a garden. If you have a balcony, it might be enough to give you what you want.