Living in the city is the dream for some people, but yes, with that comes the challenge of making the most out of small living spaces, and this includes tiny outdoor spaces like balconies or compact gardens.
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You can, however, with some clever ideas, strategies, and even the right choice of plants, the smallest areas can be transformed into more practical spaces that feel and look larger than they are. Here are some great tips on how to maximise your small garden or balcony space, focusing on both practical design tips and the best plant selections for confined areas.
Understanding Your Space
Let’s look at the space you have available and the idea you want to execute. You need to understand the garden area or balcony and its specifics, like how much sunlight it gets during the day, which areas are more shaded, and what the general exposure to weather elements like wind or heavy rain is. You need to know the details to be able to choose the right plants and furniture, learn how you could do the layout, and select appropriate garden accessories.
Choosing the Right Containers
Don’t we all love getting creative with storage? Containers are the heart and soul of any storage solution and the answer to sorting out a space. When it comes to your balcony or small garden, you have to pick pots that are functional yet stylish—consider materials like fibreglass, which are lightweight yet durable. A must-have is self-watering containers, as they are particularly useful for busy urbanites because they reduce watering frequency and make sure that your plants get just the right amount of moisture. One thing you need to make sure is that your plants have good drainage to prevent root rot.
Vertical Gardening
Isn’t vertical gardening the most innovative concept? It is perfect for maximising limited space, and now you are able to utilise every vertical surface by installing trellises, wall-mounted planters, and hanging baskets. Also, these vertical structures allow you to grow climbing plants upwards, are a great floor space saver, and could also add a layer of privacy and greenery to your outdoor area.
Plants Perfect for Vertical Gardening:
Climbing Roses:
The best choice for adding a little touch of romance and colour.
Ivy:
A classic, giving you that lush greenery and excellent coverage.
Tomatoes:
Yes, and some even thrive when grown vertically in a sunny spot.
Multifunctional Furniture
When you have a small space, every item should serve multiple purposes where possible, like choosing garden furniture that doubles as storage, such as benches with built-in compartments or tables with hidden shelves. You should rather choose furniture pieces that can be folded or stacked when you don’t use them so that you can free up some space for other things.
Plant Selection
Now, let’s get to some of the plants. A great tip would be to choose unkillable plants when you have limited space; these species are not only great for small spaces but also durable and very low maintenance. Here are some of the best plants for tiny gardens and balconies:
Succulents and Cacti
Plants like succulents or cacti are nearly indestructible and really thrive on neglect. They are also perfect for sunny spots and need minimal watering. There are varieties like Echeveria, Sedum, or small cacti that can add texture and interest to your space.
Herbs
Isn’t having fresh herbs available like every person who loves to cook ideal? And herbs like basil, thyme, and mint are excellent for small spaces and can be grown in single pots or even in a vertical herb garden. Besides, actually using them for cooking is so convenient; they brighten up a space and bring a pleasant aroma to your home.
Ferns
Not all balconies have sun, so for those shaded or partially shaded balconies, ferns are a great option. With varieties like the Boston fern or the Bird’s Nest fern, these beautiful plants bring lush greenery and a tropical feel to your garden.
Dwarf Fruit Trees
You might have a small garden and a bit more space to explore with enough light; dwarf fruit trees like lemon, lime, or cherry can be a fun addition. They do, however, require some maintenance but reward you with fresh fruit and beautiful blooms in season.
Flowering Plants
To add a little extra colour to your home, maybe consider petunias, marigolds, or pansies. Yes, flowering plants are generally easy to care for and will bloom for most of the summer, so they are a great addition that can give your space a cheerful vibe.
Smart Watering Solutions
Looking after certain plants can be time-consuming, especially if they need a lot of water. So, to make watering efficient and less time-consuming, consider installing a drip irrigation system or maybe invest in some self-watering pots. By making sure that your plants receive the water at their roots where they need it most, these systems are really water-wise and better for plant health.
Reflecting Light to Maximise Space
Reflective surfaces are a clever way to help make the most of the light that you have in your garden. Incorporating reflective surfaces can make a smaller area feel larger and even brighter. You could possibly place mirrors strategically in your home, too; this then reflects light and gives the illusion of more space. If you paint your walls with lighter shades like nudes and light greys, your space will look larger. Even lighter-coloured furniture makes a room feel more spacious, and it brightens an area.
Regular Maintenance
No matter how small your home or apartment is, you can never avoid maintenance. A small garden or balcony requires regular attention to keep it looking its best. A great tip is to trim overgrown plants, remove dead or dying foliage, and keep surfaces clean and tidy; this makes a place feel less cluttered. Maintenance keeps your garden healthy but also ensures it remains a pleasant and inviting space.
Smart Storage Tips
Hanging Organisers
Use these hanging pockets or over-the-door organisers to keep small tools, seeds, and gardening gloves. This is another smart way to make use of vertical space on walls or fences, and it is not used for anything else.
Retractable Solutions
You could install some retractable features wherever possible. Things like retractable garden hoses, fold-down tables, and even roll-away garden beds can be tucked away when not in use.
Tool Hooks and Racks
Adding hooks or a pegboard on a wall to hang garden tools keeps them off the ground and organised in a way that they are easy to grab when needed. This way, you also protect your tools.
Multipurpose Planters
Using planters that have built-in storage or are able to stack on top of others are great space savers. There are some great modern planter designs that also come with integrated drawers that can be used for storing garden tools or additional plants.
By creatively using the area you have, you can enjoy gardening without the clutter, making your small garden both beautiful and practical.
Conclusion
You can transform a small balcony or garden into a beautiful green oasis. With the right approach and understanding of your space, choosing multifunctional furniture, selecting the right plants, and utilising vertical space, you can create a practical outdoor area. And the key to success in any small space is creativity and efficiency. With these tips and a little care, your tiny garden or balcony will become your new favourite spot for relaxation and enjoyment.
