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| Three-way balcony makeover |
| Three landscape designers show different ways of turning a confined outdoor space into a little oasis. |
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Nearly one and a half million Australians choose to live in apartments. This way of living has advantages though one of the down sides is the restriction it places on being able to have a garden, but a limit on space should not limit the imagination.
Look 1: 'Moroccan with a bit of Zen'
Michele Shennen, Michele Shennen's Garden Centres
Michele was concerned about what was going to live on the balcony and opted for trouble free plants, such as bamboo palms, which don't take up a lot of space and don't require a lot of light.
Michele's main features included:- Earth-coloured and decoratively rusted furniture and pots.
Cost: Two 'rusted' Tulip chairs and matching folding table, $995.
- A water feature created with a ball fountain placed on an ornamental concrete plinth and tray. The water gently bubbles from an opening at the top of the ball and falls into the tray of pebbles.
Cost: Ball fountain with black pebbles, $395.
- Two large salt glazed urns sit next to the fountain. From one of the urns, a large decorative rusted hook extends to hold a Moroccan lantern that when lit, will add a soft glow to the garden at night.
Cost: Lantern, $155.
Total cost approximately $2,800
Look 2: 'Tropical with Asian/Balinese influence'
Richard Unsworth, Apartment Garden Living
Richard based his design on simplicity, it was to complement the apartment's interior and become an extension of the living space. As the prerequisite for busy apartment dwellers it had to be low-maintenance yet warm, soft and tactile. To achieve this he used a variety of textures such as wood, water, natural reed panelling and stone bowls.
Richard says water plays a major role in his designs as it brings life into a space, and if it is moving it will disguise other sounds. Small basins, birdbaths and small fountains are all suitable for a balcony garden.
To create the Asian/tropical theme Richard used a simple combination of effective ornaments and suitable plants, including:- A natural reed screen and a bamboo slotted screen were hung from one wall to soften the unsuitable bright paint and to carry through the Asian theme.
Cost: Natural-reed screening rolls, from $55. Bamboo slotted screen, to order.
- A Balinese stone water feature was placed in front of the screens. The small fountain has a central, low bronze spout from which water gently bubbles. It is lit by a submersible halogen lamp which would reflect on the walls and ceiling at night.
Cost: Balinese hand-carved water bowl and bronze spout, halogen lamp and pump, $1,275
- A mirror was placed against the wall opposite to the water feature to reflect light and add depth to the small area. Placed next to the water feature were two egg-shaped pots planted with low-maintenance, cycad revoluta, which Richard says, survived the dinosaur age so will survive anything.
Cost: Cycad revoluta, from $55. Round stone egg pots, from $110.
- Arrow bamboo was planted in pots covered with reed screens and placed in corners next to mirror.
- Floating flower bowls were set up on a small rosewood table.
Cost: Rosewood table (110cm x 60cm) and chair, $470. Indian marble bowls, $85.
Total cost approximately $3,500
Look 3: 'Modern with a Santa Fe feel'
Grant Donaldson, Urban Jungle
Grant took a more modern approach to his design using a minimum of materials to achieve maximum effect. The combination of selected succulent plants, glazed pots and coloured pebbles work to form a striking balcony garden which requires little maintenance, perfect for the inner city lifestyle.
- A contemporary table was set to one side of the balcony and the plants to the other. This leaves room to walk around and enjoy the view.
Cost: 'Meuco' table by Trueway, $250. Dr No Chair, $200.
- A selection of succulent plants including Yuccas, Echeveria and Jade were planted in the glazed pots. Interesting in shape and colour, the Mexican coloured pots in 'white crackle' and royal blue enhance the shape and form of the plants.
Cost: Glazed pots, large $238/medium $119/small $59. Glazed square/round pots large $20/medium $15/ small $10.
- The angular, symmetrical forms of the succulent plants create the desired modern effect and their tolerance of dry conditions make them ideal for placement on a sunny balcony. White pebbles were placed on the soil of the plants for decoration and to act as mulch. They were also effectively placed around the base of each pot.
Cost: Pebbles $15/20kg.
Total cost: approximately $1 500
Tips for creating a balcony garden:
Pots:
Plastic or fibreglass pots are particularly suitable for balcony gardens, as they are generally lighter than other materials. They also hold moisture for a lot longer than clay pots. NB: Even though plastic pots are lighter, they should still be weighty enough to withstand strong winds.
The pot should be slightly larger (around 15cm deeper and 10cm wider) than the rootball of the plant. Larger containers give plants more of a chance to survive adverse conditions such as wind and drought.
Plants should not be left to stand in saucers of water for an extended length of time, as they need to be well drained. Pot feet will help alleviate this problem.
Plants:
The choice of plants will depend on conditions such as sun or shade; winds; and temperature range. Climatic conditions become intensified in the confines of an enclosed area such as a balcony. Walls of brick or glass and paved floors will create their own microclimate so it is important to get to know the site before money is spent on plants that may not be suitable for the area.
Most plants can adapt to growing in pots. It is important to select plants first for their suitability to the environment, and then for their individual characteristics. Shade-lovers are most likely to survive dark, cramped spaces and plants that lose less moisture like bamboo and grasses will suit areas that are sunny and windy. Plants with delicate flowers or large leaves may succumb to wind damage and scorch.
Potting mix:
Plants grown in containers need the best soil or potting mix available in order to grow well and remain healthy. Good quality potting mix (available at all nurseries and landscape supply outlets) will combine material to aid aeration, and drainage as well as hold moisture and nutrients.
Watering:
Leaving potted plants to dry out and wither can be fatal. As most balconies are covered and not open to falling rain, it is important to establish a water regime for a balcony garden. A watering can is suitable or a hose may be fitted to the laundry or kitchen tap and rolled out through a window or balcony door. The ambitious may install an irrigation system.
Fertilising:
In order to keep plants in containers growing well, a slow-release fertiliser should be used on an on-going basis. Check recommendations on the packet for when and how much fertiliser is to be used. Always water well after fertilising.
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More Info
For full colour pics and more information about each of the balcony makeovers featured here, check out the March 2000 issue of Our House Magazine, on sale at newsagents for $4.95.
There are many great gardening books available from book and department stores, which offer good advice and ideas for gardening in small spaces. One book in particular is Balconies, Courtyards & Pots published by The Australian Women's Weekly Home Library, available at a RRP of $12.95.
All items available from:
Michele Shennen's Garden Design
Ph: 02 9958 1149
Michele Shennen's Garden Centres
132 Penshurst St
Willoughby, NSW
Ph: 02 9958 6631
or
427 Darling St
Balmain, NSW Ph: 02 9810 8892
Richard Unsworth
Apartment Garden Living
PO Box 687
Coogee NSW 2034
Mob: 0414 966 411
Fax: 02 9386 0744
Grant Donaldson
Urban Jungle
112E Burton St
Darlinghurst, NSW
Ph: 02 9360 2102
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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