Convert Your Balcony or Patio Into a Verdant Sanctuary with These Clever Space Gardening Ideas!
Having your own little piece of nature is still possible, even in the city. You may make a lovely, lush garden on your patio or balcony even if you don’t have a lot of room. Regardless of how much or how little gardening experience you have, these ideas for small spaces can help you create a verdant haven in your city.
Growing Vertically: Upwards, Not Outwards
Vertical gardening is truly a lifesaver when dealing with a very limited space. This type of design makes the best use of the planting room by encouraging plants to grow upward instead of horizontally. This is an ideal way to store plants on patios and decks because you can stack them.
There are lots of ways to go vertical. Building your own vertical garden is as simple as assembling some recycled materials like trellises or ladders and planting seeds in pots that you hang from the ceiling.
If you’re not one of the creative ones or just don’t have the time to build something from scratch then buying a pre-assembled vertical garden kit is also an option. Plants with a natural lean towards trailing, like ivy or pothos, can be trained to grow vertically to create a lush screening.
Compact Plants in Containers: A Mighty Force
Plants grown in containers are another great option for those who are cramped for space. It only takes a couple of pots or containers! A variety of plants, depending on the size of the pots, can be grown in a container garden, not just flowers but also vegetables.
Arrange containers of varying sizes and shapes to maximise the space you have. Scatter them across your balcony for a more eclectic look or arrange them in a cluster for a beautiful layered effect. Use railings or hang baskets from the ceiling to make the most of vertical storage space.
Houseplant succulents are ideal because they don’t need much attention and can thrive in smaller containers. When you want something more lively, flowering plants like pansies and marigolds will bring colour and life to any room. Don’t forget to add some vegetables either! Container gardens are a great way to grow tomatoes, peppers, and even dwarf citrus trees. You can pick the fruit and vegetables right from your porch.
Optimising Your Space Utilisation
One of the best things about growing in a limited area is the opportunity it gives you to be creative. All that’s required to grow a garden is a small plot of land. Use a shelf, a corner, or a tiered plant stand if you’re lacking floor space but still wish to have some plants.
Additionally, if you intend to cultivate herbs in your miniature garden, remember to include your windowsills. Not only are they ideal for smaller pots, but they also make it easy to access fresh herbs while cooking.
Unveiling Fresh Concepts
The key to making a balcony or patio into a verdant retreat is to be creative and make do with what you have. Vertical gardening and experimenting with container plants can transform even the most urban garden into a verdant and colourful oasis. For some additional ideas, Gardening Australia magazine is a great resource for plant enthusiasts.