Native trees bring beauty to any yard, improve the quality of the air, and reduce the force of high winds. The geranium is one of the best bedding and balcony plants. Sufficient light and water are all is needed for these plants to grow and flourish. Pelargonium Europe

When done right, trees can grow exceptionally well in extra-large planters on a balcony,’ says Bert Stouffer, CEO, PolyStone Planters. ‘In fact, planting trees in containers has become popular for areas and homes that want to add greenery but have limited outside space. A little porch or balcony can easily be the home of your tree, just make sure that you choose a large and suitable planter for it.’ If the awning is not used, the fabric may be wrapped in a storage rain cover to protect it from the elements.If you haven’t already considered it, outdoor shades are a good way to stop the winds that consistently blow everything off your patio and balcony. A modern flatweave rug is a sleek and stylish solution for your indoor and outdoor spaces. Its low-pile construction makes it perfect for high-traffic areas, both indoors and outdoors, as it is less likely to become matted or worn, even with frequent use. The modern design of this rug is characterized by clean lines, neutral colours, and contemporary patterns, making it a great choice for any home with a modern aesthetic. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, this rug is able to withstand the elements, ensuring it will look great for years to come. Whether you're using it to define a seating area on your patio, add some colour to your outdoor space, or complement your indoor decor, this modern flatweave rug is sure to make a great impression. Its lightweight design also makes it easy to move and reposition as needed, making it a versatile and practical choice for any space. Others can be installed with cable ties, meaning they’re less intrusive and permanent. As such, make sure the option you choose works with any restrictions or agreements about DIY work. Unique Considerations for Apartments

Even if your balcony is small don't think you have to use small pots and small plants. Big, bold, structural planting will still look better than over-filled, fussy arrangements. The pots must be large enough to be stable and unmovable so that nobody will accidentally drop them down.The placement of fence panels may be done separately from other fences and away from the patio, where the wind is coming from. Boxwood hedge panels ( such as these– featured in the above photo) are similar to the fake leaf screens above, as they’re basically panels of artificial leaves. However, the main difference is that they’re far denser because they’re designed to look like boxwood hedge foliage. Also try grasses, not only will these thrive in sunny dry conditions, they move beautifully in any breeze and bring a lovely gauziness.

A corrugated metal fence provides you with enough seclusion on your property in addition to reducing wind. The name alone provides most of the explanation for this one. A windshield is ideally suited for this use because it is made to stop wind (and offer seclusion) on a balcony. Random planting rarely looks good. Regular patterns of tall and short will feel and look better than a scattering of different sizes. So perhaps go for taller plants at the corners of the balcony and shorter along the front. This will give a balance and structure which will feel better. It’s easier said than done to simply construct a fence. However, compared to other DIY projects, it’s actually not that challenging. The advantages of a fence as wind protection for a patio are quite clear: making it yourself also has the benefit of allowing for any size. Whatever option you choose, it’s crucial to keep in mind the primary objective or necessity, which is to reduce the amount of wind that enters your patio. If you think about this particular goal, you could have to focus.Integrated lighting Ranging from LED strips, spotlights and colored lighting, these outdoor lighting options can be programmed to dim, fade and cycle through ambient color. A patio could have a stunning view of the mountains or the beach and the ocean. In that situation, using a windbreak that even somewhat obstructs the view, like screens, would not be a smart idea. Pot trays, used under your containers, will hold the water and will mean you can get the watering can out less often. Big mistakes Fencing off the entire space is a wise choice if your patio or porch is located inside a bigger yard. If your balcony isn’t at ground level, it won’t function as a wind barrier. Always think about safety with balconies. The main issues are things falling off, making sure drainage is good and not putting too much weight on your balcony. If in doubt ask for professional help. Also, rather importantly, you should not BBQ on your balcony as it poses a fire and safety risk.

Balcony Boss is reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. For additional information, please view our policies. No matter how big or small your balcony, a few leafy shrubs or trees in pots can reap huge benefits. Creating visual interest, they can also help to soften ambient noise, attract birds and pollinators and create valuable shade.At an unbeatable price on the market, Maanta offers you an exclusive product! Easy Clear transparent drop-down blinds are available made-to-measure, to fit your space perfectly, with centimetre precision. Covering your balcony with shade can provide shelter from the sun, protecting any outdoor furniture from sun damage and helping to keep your balcony cool. Natural elements like water features and plants can also help reduce heat as they have cooling properties, can filter the surrounding air and can soothe our spaces.’ Repainting is a great way to update the look of a balcony. The walls and the floor tend to be very dominant to the spaces, so a fresh coat of paint can really transform how it all looks. An awning opens up your lifestyle possibilities and is so beneficial it’s like having an extra room in your home, extending your living space into the outdoors,’ says Lisa Cooper, Head of Product atThomas Sanderson. ‘Theycan be used all year round, providing shade from the sun's rays in warmer months but also in the winter to shelter from wind and rain, not only for you but for your furniture and soft furnishings. And it’s not just you that an awning protects – the shade of your awning will also keep the adjoining interior room cool, help reduce glare inside and help prevent sun damage to your furnishings.’ If you have a large balcony, it could be worth investing in a permanent structure, similar to a patio cover. A pergola-style design with a slatted roof can be both traditional or contemporary in design, depending on the materials you opt for.