Apartment dwellers do not need to leave all the fun of spring to their garden-owning neighbours.
Making use of a few good potting tricks, those with outdoor balcony space can still enjoy the view of a garden in full bloom this spring.
Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa said a manicured garden can greatly improve the overall appeal of the home and could potentially add value to the property.
“By styling the balcony with pot plants and perhaps even an outdoor dining set or bench, homeowners are essentially adding an extra ‘room’ to the home. It is a great way to maximise every inch of a limited floorspace,” said Goslett.
To help homeowners plant the perfect balcony garden, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few top tips.
1) Conduct some research
There are many plants that will thrive on balconies once you have taken the time to understand the weather conditions that your space offers. Find out if the space is sunny, shady, windy, where the rain falls etc. and then also consider what sorts of containers will work best for the plants, whether that is in pots, climbing frames, or even vertical gardens.
It is also important to find out what the rules of the HOA or body corporate are – you might not be allowed to drill anything into the external walls and some complexes also have rules around what is and isn’t allowed on the balconies.
2) Visit a local nursery
Once you have done all the necessary research, it’s time to start shopping for plants. For those who aren’t sure where to start, below is a list of a few plants that do well in pots:
• Agapanthus are a great way to add a pop of colour to a balcony space. These tough plants are built to survive hot summers but prefer partial shade in harsher climates like our own. Aggies actually prefer cramped root conditions, which makes them great pot plant options.
• Bougainvillea make for a beautiful creeper option and can be used to grow around a climbing frame to create greater privacy between you and your neighbour. These plants can grow fast, so you might need to repot them every couple of years.
• Trailing succulents, like String of Pearls or String of Bananas, are native to Southern Africa regions and thrive in hanging baskets. If you have a covered balcony, you can hang a few from the roof. If the complex allows, you could also install a hanging basket frame against the external wall.
• A mini vegetable or herb garden can also be grown in pots or planter boxes. When planting vegetables, just find out what season they grow in before you plant them. Cherry tomatoes and bean plants are great options for pots, and most herbs, including rosemary, thyme, and coriander, will thrive in small containers.
If you are ever uncertain about what to plant, ask somebody at your local nursery for assistance. Whether you have a sprawling balcony or a compact one, the joy of nurturing a garden – even in a small space – is boundless.
“There are so many benefits of tending to a garden. Beyond creating a beautiful space to enjoy every day, when done correctly, tending to a garden can also be a great value-add to any home,” said Goslett.
