The plants that grow well in balcony gardens will depend which direction the space is facing and how much sunlight it receives during the day. A combination of wood and green is a match, and incorporating both will give your balcony garden a natural vibe. 23. Balcony Gutter Pipe Railing Planter A soil-based compost is better for its water-holding capacity than a peat-substitute mix, but will be heavier I love being my own boss, it has so many positives in allowing you to reach for opportunities and give you the sense of freedom. Also, you can adapt so much more readily to changing times and focuses. Photo: Ali Allen

You have to pot them on every two or three years to a big container, or failing that you can top dress, which is where you take off the top layer of soil and put some new compost on. You can do that after the second year as well to elongate that container.”

24. Tropical Privacy

Hi Isabelle! Tell us about your business, The Balcony Gardener – how would you describe what you do? 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. Install an irrigation system where cost effective (in larger areas), ensuring excess runoff flows to a drainpipe outlet You’re going to have to water quite a lot, especially if it's very sunny and exposed and windy. So, bear that in mind, either using water reservoirs in your pots, using an irrigation system, or making sure that you've got ready water supply to water your plants,” Isabelle said.

Think about which spots get direct sunlight and which spots are mainly in the shade. You might be big on sunbathing, so want to reserve the sunnier spots for seating, while your plants can happily sit in the shade. Or you might prefer to keep yourself sat in the shade and let your plants enjoy the warmth of the sun. You also want to think about the view from inside your home, so don't place big plants in the eye-line of your view, big plants work best in corners or up against the house. Smaller plants work best dotted around the base of these planters, and on raised platforms. Think about access to water and how far a hose might stretch too. What can I grow on a shady balcony? Eliminate watering cans altogether by purchasing a lightweight, expandable garden hose that you can attach to a kitchen sink using an adapter. They come in lengths as long as 100 feet and retract when not in use for easy storage. Do you wish to make a garden that is distinct from others? Birdcage can be used to create unique and decorative Balcony Garden Ideas; it gives your garden a quirky look. 25. Balcony With a Greenhouse Isabelle Palmer is a renowned city garden designer and the founder of The Balcony Gardener, her innovative and fresh approach to garden design and gardening retail has earned her well deserved attention. You can create this balcony garden with vines and creepers for railing, along with other succulents. This will create a bohemian look for your balcony. 57. Pots in Long Balcony PassageDrought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly planting and seasonal favourites like berries, seed-heads and dahlias are on display throughout the five balcony gardens. There's also lush evergreens interspersed with rainbow colours, along with herbs, chillies, fruit trees and other edibles.