Us home-lovers are usually eager to get outdoors as soon as the days are longer and the weather is warmer to make the most of our green spaces and enjoy the fresh air. But for most apartment or flat owners a garden (unless communal) is not usually part of the plan.
That is unless you consider your balcony. With a bit of careful planning you can instantly transform your small elevated space into a marvellous micro-garden full of colour, aroma and atmosphere.
There are lots of inspiring ideas that can turn your small space into a balcony garden that will enhance the living experience of your home: enjoy views, sit, relax and grow your own little bit of green wherever you live.
Firstly, think about the position and the amount of light your balcony receives as this will determine what type of plants will be happy in your garden balcony. Shady enclosed areas can be filled with lush green plants, such as ferns and hostas. Warmer spots in direct sunlight will suit a collection of Mediterranean sun-loving plants full of vivid colour.
Whatever the size, there are plenty of uses for your balcony garden. If there is room for an outdoor table and chairs you can use it as an outside dining room or maybe as a spill out area for when you are entertaining.
Teak and all-weather stainless-steel furniture in modular shapes suits modern apartment style or decorative ornate iron designs are timeless and elegant. Or, perhaps you fancy your own place in the sun in which case a sun lounger with a couple of well placed potted grasses will look super chic.
Food lovers need not miss out as sheltered balcony gardens can make perfect salad and vegetables growing spots, so why not become an urban farmer with your very own balcony vegetable garden?
Finally, don’t forget about designing your balcony for long evenings as well as sunny days. We have lots of garden lighting ideas to inspire you.
Take a look at our garden balcony ideas and turn a micro-space into your own small but perfectly formed oasis.
Garden balcony with bistro table
(pictured)
If you are short on space look for quaint bistro-style furniture that can be folded away when not in use. Go bright for a quirky look that will add a splace of colour.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Garden balcony with bistro table
If you are short on space look for quaint bistro-style furniture that can be folded away when not in use. Go bright for a quirky look that will add a splace of colour.Habitat
After low-maintenance garden ideas? Check out these fabulous artificial grass products for inspiration
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Balcony garden with structural trees
Small narrow spaces suit long tall plants. Therefore, trees fit the bill perfectly and can look structurally elegant especially when grouped in varying heights. Certain tree species will be very happy potted in planters and, by keeping their roots in a confined space, will control their growth. Slow-growing olive trees are very suitable and bay lollipop standards are modern and popular. Here, two trees look simple yet sophisticated behind refined grey railings and the ornately hung watering can adds an artistic finish.
Similar bay tree
Bentleys
Similar watering can
John Lewis
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Balcony garden with privacy trellis
Conceal your space with a border trellis. Balconies can unfortunatley sometimes lack privacy so a stylish trellis that can double as a plant climber makes an attractive solution. They're easy to install and a grid of slats will still let through plenty of light. Matching planters filled with vibrant hydrangeas or geraniums will blend any hard edges and add a welcoming burst of colour.
Similar wood planter
Primrose
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Balcony garden with mix-and-match pots
Balconies are perfect for amateur gardeners as you can fill the space with an abundance of low-maintenance potted plants in all sorts of colours and varieties. Go for a theme with similar plant types and pots, such as grasses potted up in silver and blue containers for a coastal look or get creative and bohemian with an eclectic mix to experiment with. Potted plants can give a plain balcony intstant colour and cover wherever needed and once you improve simply add some updates to your look.
Simlar plants and planters
Dobbies
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Balcony garden with purple walls
Take stylish colour outside. Give your balcony wall a new lease of life with a statemtent shade of purple. Balance the look with minimal foliage; simple desert-style grasses placed symmetrically between modern black sun loungers will turn your space in to a hotel-chic sun terrace you won't wont to leave.
Similar purple exterior paint
Francesca Paints
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Balcony garden with corner sofa
Make your garden balcony an outdoor living room for relaxing with a large corner sofa filled with plenty of cusions for comfort. Many come with hidden storage to protect the seating pads in damp and wet weather. A low-level matching coffee table continues the casual vibe while an array of pretty structural pots filled with African daisies and lavender soften the look. Attractive storm lanterns will keep you alfresco into the night.
Outdoor furniture
John Lewis
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Balcony garden with mounted mirror
Add the illusion of space to your balcony by mounting a sheet of mirror on a wall. It will maximise the small space, bounce light to brighten any dark corners and double the colour by reflecting vivid plants and foliage. Here, the cool urban look is finished with a central display of beautiful hot pink and red tulips potted in a industrial-style cement planter.
Similar planter
Passion for Pots
Similar mirror
Primrose
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Balcony garden with herb rack
You don't need a huge garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs. Garden balconies make great mini allotments as they can be sheltered from wind and are often spots. Walls make great places to hang herbs and there are lots of small-container vegetable stations available that will fit your space. Being up high your produce is less likely to be damaged by pests and, of course, you have easy access back to your kitchen.
Similar zinc herb pots
Houseology
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Balcony garden with home-made lighting
Make your balcony garden an inviting space for the evenings by adding a few crafty touches. Everyday items can be painted, upcycled and decorated to create a charming and secluded spot. Fill a trellis with easy-to-make tealight holders and planters. Spray clean cans with two coats of paint and, once dry, thread wire through pierced holes and loop to form a hanger. Pierce drainage holes for the planters and punch patterns for the tealight holders. Use citronella candles in the tin holder to deter the midges.
Spray paint
Plasti-Kote
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Balcony garden with Mediterranean theme
Create a theme. Transport yourself to warmer climates with a balcony garden perfect for a siesta. Whitewashed walls, ocean blues and a terracotted tiled floor will turn your garden balcony into a stylish Mediterranean terrace. Silvery plants and small trees will enhance the vibe and a wall-mounted parasol completes the calming space.
Wall-mounted parasol
Garden Furniture World
Similar olive tree
Marks & Spencer
