In this article, we offer owners of modern homes (such as those available at our Frenchay Gardens development) an overview of how best to transform bijou spaces into desirable horticultural havens that welcome and comfort. From balconies to window boxes, there is a green space for everyone.
A window on the world
Window boxes have huge potential to provide some eye catching and sustainable spots to grow, from windows to front porch spots or to adorn a smaller backyard space. Fresh herbs like chervil, mints, sorrel, lemon balm and violet and alpine strawberries work well in window boxes, as do chives, tarragon and parsley for continental cuisine. Nasturtiums, which are not only colourful but also peppery and delicious in salads and other recipes, trail attractively from window boxes.
If a dedicated herb garden is your preference, then dwarf herbs tend to be the best options. Choose miniature thymes, compact oregano, dwarf sage ‘blue boy’ rosemary, and smaller forms of oregano, parsley, thyme, basil, chives and dill which are easier to grow in window boxes, with a flavour that is anything but compact.
Also perfect for window boxes are healing plants like mint, aloe vera, camomile, lemon balm and lavender, which can be used for natural remedies and their soothing aromas will help calm as they drift through your living space. Trailing ferns and succulents can also provide that fresh oxygen and wellbeing boosting pop of colour.
When it comes to the window box itself, you can upcycle or make something from scratch if you are handy with the toolbox. Quirky ideas may include: repurposing a decorative drawer, some attractive fencing or even a log. Safety always comes first so ensure your window box is securely fitted, weatherproof, and always allow more space than you think you’ll need so your blooms have room to grow.
Balcony life
Balconies provide a perfect slice of garden style for an apartment or flat, and so much is possible within a smaller space. Choosing plants will depend on the aspect and hours of sunshine. South facing is best for growing and will accommodate all flowers and edible plants due to the maximum 8 hours of sunshine on offer. You can have a thriving vegetable and herb garden in this aspect but may need to water more frequently as the soil dries quickly in the heat.
West-facing balconies will receive light during the warmest part of the day, making them suitable for growing most edible plants too. For the more delicate, shade-loving plants, geraniums and hollyhocks will grow well, as well as soft herbs and salads that receive light from morning to early afternoon. North facing balconies have more limitations in terms of what can be grown, but you will still achieve success with lettuce, spinach and mint.
If you space pots, balcony boxes (you can buy these ready to go with integrated hooks) and small beds, appropriately, you can create a little haven you want to dine, recline and unwind in. You only need to take a look at the range of balcony and garden furniture on offer to see that these items, coupled with clever planting, can create a space that has everything a garden can offer.
Go potty
The benefits of container gardening expand beyond simply being able to accommodate smaller spaces. They can also be located specifically in spots of sunshine. A large receptacle can house numerous vegetables, plants and herbs, just a short dash from the kitchen door.
Pots are a perfect solution for any nook, corner, patio or small outside space. The variety of sizes and designs is vast; everything from traditional terracotta to more outlandish upcycling; old ceramic sinks or old car tyres and industrial by-products such as beer barrels can take on a new life!
Different materials will offer different advantages; terracotta is beautiful in warmer months but does need moving inside to avoid cracking when it is colder. Concrete is hardier but should be used only in ground floor gardens and verandas and not placed on balconies due to its weight. Plastic and fibreglass options are hardy, and wood; particularly cedar and locust which is rot resistant – will provide a natural look while protecting your roots from changing temperatures. Metal is also sturdy and appealing, but be wary of its temperature conducing properties, you may need to move these planters to shady spots on hotter days.
Once you’ve selected the container and the soil; up to one-gallon sized containers can use potting soil, and anything larger will require a coarse pre-moistened mixture.
Pots can play host to almost anything; a colourful vegetable garden. Broccoli, cabbage and smaller versions of tomatoes, winter squash and pumpkin all suit pots perfectly, as do salad vegetables like basic, lettuce and peppers. For decorative planters, choose a mixture of colourful blooms. Bright geraniums for a focal point combine with spilling plants that can adorn the sides of the pot like petunia and zinnias, combined with something attractive to fill the spaces and create bright contrast such as verbenas and wax begonias.
Whatever your preference, smaller and indoor spaces needn’t limit the carnival of colour, texture and shapes that growing small offers!
