After the lockdown, one of the most sought-after features of a home was outside space. During numerous restrictions, our garden was often the only place we could get some fresh air, enjoy the good weather and socialise with friends and family. Buyers aren’t necessarily looking for a vast garden – roof terraces and balconies were also in high demand.
If you have a balcony, there are lots of options when designing a little outside garden space. From privacy plants to compact furniture, here are some tips to help make the outdoor space of your dreams. What’s more, when the time comes to sell it will add value and appeal to your home.
Plants and flowers
With the right plants, foilage and flowers, you can make your balcony look like a mini garden. Choose different species to add variety and interest – bedding plants are a good start. You could plant begonias, geraniums, tulips and herbs such as chives, rosemary and basil. Also consider fruit and vegetables such as strawberries, tomatoes, and carrots. Make sure you choose the right soil that’s made specifically for containers and use a top dressing of compost to ensure they grow well.
When choosing what to grow, carefully consider the climate of your balcony. If it is south facing and flooded with sunlight, you need to adjust your plants to species that thrive in direct light and similarly if it’s in the shade most of the time, then choose flowers such as geraniums, ferns, grasses and begonias as these will do well in the shade and will withstand a strong breeze if it’s high up.
Design your space well
If you are designing a small space, let it be steered by how you’ll use your balcony. Is it a relaxing spot to read or work, a place to nurture plants and flowers or somewhere to sit and eat with friends? If you have a vertical wall space you could consider a trellis or tall planter with climbing plants. You could also use a ladder shelf in the corner for pots that can contain trailing plants.
Be careful not to overcrowd the space – if you cram too much into a small space with heavy pots and containers then you could risk overloading the foundations of your balcony. If you want to use hanging plants on the railing, use heavy duty cable ties.
Consider containers that are lightweight plastic pots and secured in case of stormy weather.
Seating
If you are using your balcony for eating, drinking, and socialising, consider a space saving table and chairs in rattan with detachable cushions and that tuck in when not in use. This will be both comfortable and weatherproof and will ensure that you maximise the available space. Although metal framed furniture is small it can be uncomfortable to sit on for long periods.
If you think you’ll use the balcony in the evening, you could also invest in a wall heater to prevent getting cold in the Scottish spring and summer months.
