Tips for Creating a Beautiful Balcony Garden

Plants for your balcony garden

Container gardening is a relatively inexpensive, viable option for a balcony. Containers can be purchased at home and garden stores in various sizes to suit your space and plant needs. Keep in mind that many plants will need to be repotted into larger containers as they grow; it's a good idea not to fill up every available inch of space on your balcony right away.

Plants that can successfully grow in pots include ferns, coffee plants, many flowering plants, and most kitchen herbs (which thrive in pots and make your garden both beautiful and functional!) It is even possible to grow some types of trees in pots--ask your local garden store for recommendations. For a unique, multi-layered look, you may want to consider a small trellis--for climbing plants such as ivies--or hanging baskets. These strategies for vertical gardening give you lovely plants at many levels.

No balcony would be complete without some exterior window boxes dripping with colorful flowers. Window boxes are inexpensive and even come in self-watering varieties; they easily attach to your balcony rail to add lovely, fragrant Old World charm to your garden.

Furniture for your balcony garden

Now that you have a beautiful garden, you need somewhere to sit and enjoy looking at it! Functional, inexpensive outdoor furniture is a wonderful addition to your balcony garden. Consider a small table with two chairs for an intimate breakfast nook, or perhaps a durable, cushioned outdoor recliner for curling up in your garden with a good book. For a medium-sized balcony, hanging bench swings are even a possibility for a front-porch feel. You may also want to consider a bench that can double as storage for your gardening tools and supplies. Whatever furniture you choose for your new balcony garden, it should reflect your unique vision for your beautiful outdoor nook.