Gardening on a Patio or Balcony
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Today, I’m addressing those of you who enjoy gardening but only have a patio or balcony as your outdoor space.
Some of us don’t have room for a full-scale garden, the kind my granny had out in the country. But don’t let that stop you. As long as you have something that will hold soil, you can plant something in it.
I’ll show you that even in a small space, you can have a beautiful garden.
Rooftop Gardening:
If you have a rooftop, you can garden in containers and enjoy the view. Gather containers together for a pleasing effect. Plan vegetables and herbs. You’ll have a wonderful space to relax and even pick some veggies or herbs for whatever you’re cooking.
Some of us live in apartments or have tiny yards. I have gardening solutions for small-space dwellers, no matter where you live.
Some of us live in apartments and are lucky to have a patio or tiny yard. But there are gardening solutions for almost all small-space dwellers. No matter where you happen to live.
Gardening In Round Tubs:
I love gardening in galvanized tubs. Over time, the steel weathers and takes on a pleasing look. You can make a galvanized container look vintage in just a few years by leaving it out in the elements.
Above is a small nook in a yard that has various colorful tub gardens. Some tubs contain vegetables, and others contain flowers. I love planting various plants in one pot. Though you do have to make sure they all have the same watering needs and exposure.
Balcony Gardening:
How about a romantic dinner on your balcony among your plants with a nice view of the city? Maybe create a little sitting spot on a balcony with climbing vines for privacy.
This is a small space that goes a long way and delivers big results! Containers of flowers and other plants lend a cozy look to your outdoor space. By utilizing whatever space you have, you’re expanding on your living space.
Using Color in Your Small Garden Space:
Use of color can set the mood in your garden space. I like to choose a color palette of about three colors. Typically, I’ll choose purple and all its different shades, pinks, yellows, and whites. The result is an old-fashioned cottage garden look.
Sometimes it’s actually good to have a small space to garden in. It makes it easier to decide what to plant, and you gain experience in choosing your plantings according to previous results. This is how you garden! You experiment!
Courtyard Gardening:
Here is a courtyard garden of containers and a seating area where you can enjoy them. There are plantings with both sight and smell in mind. Think how wonderful it would be to sit outside amid fragrant flowers and herbs and watch the sun go down.
Deck Gardening:
A deck is just as good a place as any to have a garden space. Container plants can really brighten up the area. Have pots arranged at different heights to give your garden a layered look.
Go Vertical with Containers:
You could go vertical with containers. Paint pots bright, cheerful colors and hang them on a wooden fence or balcony railing.
Small pots dry out fast, so watch the soil to see if your plants need watering.
Mix Seating With Container Gardening:
No matter where you live, you can have veggies, herbs, or flowers that can all be planted in containers. You will be attracting wildlife to your outdoor space. Put out a birdbath and/or a birdfeeder, and watch the birds flock to your space.
I like to take advantage of the many ornamental grasses I can grow in containers. They give your space a structural, textured look.
I also like to use plant caddies on my patio so I can roll the plants from place to place and avoid heavy lifting.
Keep in mind that no matter where you live, you can have a garden. Even if it’s herbs in small pots on a windowsill.
I love them all!
This is the year we start taking care of the outside and getting our act together (hopefully!). Thank you for some lovely inspiration.
I love, love smaller gardens and container gardening, I have tried enriching the soil in my flower beds and I have lost so many plants-to ant infestation, slugs, snails and harsh weather. In fact my prize phlox was destroyed last Summer by Fire Ants. Great inspiration, can't wait to get growing!
Jemma
These pictures made me so happy. My yard is under a foot of water now but when it dries up I have a couple of ideas from these pictures. Yeah.
Great information for us "small dwellers". I like many of the ideas. I am actually glad I don't have a big yard to take care of. I like my little "postage" size back patio area. Thanks Brenda for all the idea and tips you give on living in small areas. Hope you are doing well. I have been having health problems and have not visiting your blog for a while. Hugs to you my friend. Karie
A couple of those pictures made me want to sit down and linger awhile. Inspiring post!
Loved looking at these gardens, Brenda! They are all so charming, and it's just what I need to see to cheer me up while there's still snow on the ground.
Oh- Those are ALL great, Brenda. I have lots of yard but am getting to the point where I want LESS to garden and keep up. I know your area is small and you do a beautiful job. xo Diana
Brenda, I hope I always have a place for a nice container . Even one container with something growing is good. You can stay in touch with nature. I loved some of those balcony gardens. Soon you will be getting your patio garden ready. It's warmer here. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
Ok, now I want to live in an apartment on the fifth floor. Lol
Thank you for sharing. What great ideas.
These are all very pretty spaces. I really like the yellow container in the second photo. I'm thinking I'll be spray painting an old galvanized tub I have. Thanks for sharing these wonderful ideas.
So pretty!
Beautiful ideas, and can't wait to get my fingers in the dirt, still too wet here. Soon!
Oh my, these were beautiful. Loved the one w/the blue fence. So cozy. Can't wait to see what you come up with this spring and summer.
Oh my heart just swoons over these photos. I see some bamboo screening….makes me think about screening in my carport area in a couple of spots for more privacy. I am going to go online and see about this. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Thank you for the pictures this morning! I found the colours I am painting my rocker and plant stand! The picture with the pink bench and the flower pots: Pink for my rocker and the bright blue (or is that a turquoise) for the plant stand. Now I just need the weather to behave itself!
Hope you are having a good week!
Hugs,
Deb
love all the samples.. I'll have some plants and a tree in a few pots this year and just keep adding to it as I go along..
Every single one of those spaces is gorgeous. Of course, my thumb is brown, not green, so I don't know if I'd have the same results! 😉
I always prefer small, intimate, and cozy spots! Very appealing places. I could see myself enjoying any of these settings! Inspiring selection of photos. I'm off to visit your board…
I agree with Kim 🙂
I'm ready to start container gardening on my front porch this Spring and your board has been an inspiration for me.
xoxo,
rue
such a happy, vibrant, inspiring post Brenda! bring on spring! xoxoxo