When it comes to decorating our home, the balcony is one of those areas that can easily be overlooked. But for me, it’s a prime spot to add some color and life, especially during the warmer months.
Deciding what flowers to plant on our balcony was both a fun and practical exercise, and I thought I’d share how I went about it.
Assessing the Space
The first thing I did was take a good look at our balcony space. It’s not huge, but it’s got enough room for a few planters. One thing I noticed right away was that the balcony gets a fair amount of sunlight throughout the day.
This is important because the amount of sun a space gets directly affects what kinds of plants will thrive there. For our balcony, I knew I needed flowers that could handle full sun to partial shade.
Considering Maintenance
I’m in my 60s, and while I enjoy gardening, I don’t want to spend all day fussing over delicate plants. I wanted flowers that are easy to care for—something I could water regularly but not have to pamper too much.
Low-maintenance plants that could withstand a bit of neglect if we went away for a few days were key.
Picking the Right Flowers
With those two main criteria in mind—sunlight needs and maintenance—I headed to our local garden center. Here’s what I decided on:
- Geraniums: These are a classic choice for a reason. Geraniums come in a variety of bright colors like pink, red, and white, which adds a pop of color to the balcony. They’re also pretty hardy and don’t require constant watering, making them perfect for our space.
- Petunias: Another great option for sunny spots. Petunias are easy to grow, and they bloom all summer long. Plus, they come in so many different colors. I chose a mix of purples, whites, and reds to complement the geraniums. They’re great for hanging baskets or window boxes because they tend to trail a bit, giving a lovely, cascading effect.
- Calibrachoa (Million Bells): These are similar to petunias but a bit smaller. They’re great for adding more color variety and texture. I like how they look mixed in with the petunias—they add a little more fullness to the planters.
Arranging the Planters
Once I had my flowers picked out, it was time to arrange them on the balcony. I decided to place some planters on the floor and attach a few hanging boxes to the railing. This way, we could enjoy the flowers at eye level while sitting and still have some trailing flowers cascading down the front.
I mixed the geraniums with the petunias and calibrachoa to create a layered look. The taller geraniums went in the middle, with the trailing petunias and calibrachoa around the edges.
Keeping It Simple
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s best to keep things simple. Too many different types of flowers can look chaotic. I stuck to just a few varieties and picked colors that complement each other. This keeps the balcony looking neat and cohesive.
Enjoying the Results
Now, every time I step out onto the balcony, I’m greeted by a burst of color and life. The flowers have really brightened up the space and make it feel like an extension of our home. Plus, they’re low maintenance enough that I don’t have to spend all my time taking care of them. It’s a win-win!
So, if you’re thinking about adding some flowers to your balcony, my advice is to start with the basics: consider the sunlight and how much effort you’re willing to put in.
From there, pick a few varieties that are easy to care for and have fun with it! After all, gardening should be enjoyable, not a chore.