Balcony garden ideas to create your own little oasis -

It's no secret that spending time outdoor has significant benefits for both our physical and mental health. While you can access parks and head out to nature on your spare time, some people are lucky enough to actually have a garden in their homes. But if you don't have one, fear not, as there are plenty of balcony garden ideas that will inspire you and transform even the smallest of outside spaces.

From furniture and decor to planting and privacy, click on for some balcony garden ideas to create your own little oasis. 

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Make it wildlife friendly -

The best gardens combine plants with animal life, and this applies to balcony gardens too. To create a wildlife oasis at home, have a good mix of flowering plants, shrubs, and smaller trees.

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Light it up -

Make your balcony garden even more pleasant by adding some outdoor lighting. This way, you'll be able to enjoy it after dark and during all seasons. 

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Think about the type of garden you'll have -

Before you start planting, keep in mind that the position and the amount of light your balcony receives will determine what type of plants will be happy there. For example, shady areas can be filled with lush green plants, such as ferns. Mediterranean sun-loving plants will be better suited to spots in direct sunlight.

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Install a fence -

Balconies sometimes lack privacy, so adding a border trellis can be an attractive solution. Plus, it can double as a plant climber. 

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Place plants on a ladder -

Saving precious floor space is essential if your balcony is on the smaller side. Use the same plants to make a cohesive statement, or vary your pots and planters for a cozy vibe. 

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Use the wall -

Just like the ladder, you can also make the most of your space by hanging your pots on the wall. This provides the perfect spot to house flowers, and herbs like basil and rosemary.

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Choose furniture with storage -

Space can often be limited if you have a small balcony. The good news is you can find multifunctional furniture that acts as storage as well as tables or seating.

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Grow your own vegetables and herbs -

You don't need a huge garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs. Garden balconies are actually great as they can be sheltered from wind and being higher up, your produce is less likely to be damaged by pests.

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Add pops of color -

Color has the power to bring life and soul to your balcony! Think outdoor rugs, cushions, and even paper flower garlands. 

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Lay artificial grass -

While planting a mini lawn may not be the best or easiest idea, you can instead lay artificial grass for an extra pop of green.

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Experiment with small water fountains -

Your balcony garden doesn't have to be plant-exclusive! Small water fountains are very easy to maintain, and they look beautiful among clusters of plants.

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Take the weather conditions into consideration -

If your balcony is high up, or you're planning a roof garden, keep in mind that you need to position your plants in sheltered areas so they survive any harsh winds. Plants that are low, such as begonia and succulents, are less likely to break in the wind than taller plants, like delphiniums.

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Trick the eye -

If you have a plain wall on your balcony, consider painting it in a mild shade that won't have much contrast with the sky.

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Choose the right size planters -

If your space is smaller, it's important to factor in the size of the planters and resist the temptation to overcrowd the space. This way, you'll give your plants enough room to grow. 

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Add benches -

Benches are great space savers, as they can provide more seating than individual chairs, and you can also display your plants on them too. 

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Arrange plants at different heights -

Look at arranging your plants at different heights on your balcony. This will make the space feel more full and expand the sense of greenery. 

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Consider foldable furniture -

If you're short on space, then look for bistro-style furniture that can be folded away when not in use. 

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Add a climber -

If you own the apartment, a nice idea is to plant climbers to cover your balcony rails, walls, and even the ceiling. Once they're grown, you'll have a shady and private sanctuary. 

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Create a cozy corner -

Turn your balcony garden into an outdoor living room for relaxing. Include a corner sofa and fill it with plenty of cushions and blankets for extra comfort.

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Create a natural canopy -

To give your balcony space a cozy feel, opt to plant creepers and vines in pots to encourage them to grow up and over your balcony space.

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Create an extended room with your balcony garden -

Use your balcony to plan a small garden that complements the rest of your home decor. Coordinating color and your overall decor will help elongate your space. 

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Opt for a black back-drop -

While black isn't traditionally recommended for small spaces, it actually works well in an outdoor space and provides a cool backdrop for your plants.

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Invest in structural trees -

Small, narrow spaces suit taller plants. Therefore, trees fit perfectly in and can look structurally elegant when grouped in varying heights. 

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Keep your balcony plants hydrated -

Plants will need to be watered in order to survive and thrive. Keep that in mind so you don't get more plants than you'll be willing to water.

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Explore vertical gardening -

If you really want your balcony garden to stand out, opt for a vertical garden. Herbs, fruits, grasses, and ferns all work well. 

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Get some picture-perfect pots -

You can choose from pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes. With tons of options, let your personality shine when you pick your pots. You can also let your creativity out by planting your flowers in containers or an old rain boot. 

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Add a table and chairs to large balcony gardens -

Balcony gardens are the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee or dinner, so why not set up a cozy spot for those special moments? 

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Think about positions -

You also want to think about the view from inside your home. For example, don't place big plants in the eye-line of your view, as these work best in corners. Smaller plants work best around the base of these planters, and on raised platforms.

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Have a dedicated spot for an oversized planter -

If you're looking for a more minimalist take on your balcony garden, opt for just one or two oversized planters. 

Sources: (Homes and Gardens) (Ideal Home) 

See also: The beauty of chaos gardening, and how to go about it

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