Up we go!

If your only outdoor space is balcony, elevate your expectations and create a plant-filled alfresco haven on high

- karen booth.

Even the tiniest outdoor area can become a slice of horticultural heaven. You may not have the option of having a traditional garden, but with a few potted plants, a green wall or vertical garden and some well-chosen items of decor, you can transform a balcony into your very own enchanted garden. Add some lighting, a compact barbecue along with some streamlined seating, and you have a cosy, well-coordinated outdoor living space that will tempt you outside, whether it’s to unwind at the end of a hectic day at work or to gather with friends on the weekend.

Apartment balconies in urban areas can feel a bit dull and lifeless, especially if the outlook takes in other big buildings or a bleak city or suburban view. The easiest way to add colour and green life is to introduce plants in pots, troughs and, if allowed by strata rules, built-in planters. This allows you to bring ornamental and edible plants onto a balcony and has the added advantage that the pots can be used as items of decor, introducing textural interest and hues that complement interior living spaces.

POT IT GOOD

Post-pandemic, as modern lifestyles seek to embrace all things natural, the trend for balcony gardens and terraces continues to rise and this has led to a growing interest in how to use pots to best advantage. With the right approach, pots and plants can take a balcony space from drab to fab in no time at all.