Turning your balcony or patio into a leafy, green escape can be a satisfying way to upgrade your outdoor space. But picking the right plants is key to ensuring they thrive in our unique climate.

Check Out Your Space

Before you dive into plant shopping, it's worth taking a moment to understand your space. Here are a few things to consider:

Sunlight:

How much sun does your balcony or patio get each day? North-facing spots will soak up the most sun, while south-facing ones get less. East-facing areas enjoy the softer morning sun, and west-facing ones tend to get that strong afternoon light. Choose plants that suit the amount of sunlight in your space – sun-lovers for bright areas and shade-friendly plants for cooler spots.

Wind:

Balconies and patios can be pretty windy, which can dry out plants quickly. Go for hardy plants that can handle the wind or create a bit of shelter with screens or taller potted plants.

Space:

Take measurements to determine your actual room size. If you're working with a small area, think vertically. Hanging baskets and wall planters are great for squeezing more greenery into a compact space.

Know Your Climate

Australia's climate is diverse, so it's important to choose plants that suit your specific location. Whether you're by the coast, in a temperate area, or in the tropics, local conditions matter. Native plants, like kangaroo paw or bottlebrush, are always a good bet because they're low-maintenance and naturally suited to Aussie weather.

Fit Plants to Your Lifestyle

How much time do you have for plant care? If you're busy or away often, opt for low-maintenance options like succulents, cacti, or tough Aussie natives like Lomandra or Dianella. If you love gardening and enjoy spending time with your plants, you can go for more delicate species like ferns or orchids, which might need a bit more TLC.

Pick the Right Pots

Choosing the right pots is just as important as picking the right plants. Make sure they have drainage holes to avoid waterlogged roots. Lightweight pots are easier to move around, but heavier ones are better if you need to stabilise larger plants or create windbreaks.

Plant with a Purpose

Think about what you want from your balcony or patio garden:

Aesthetic Appeal:

For a beautiful display, mix and match plants of different colours, textures, and heights. Flowering plants like geraniums, pelargoniums, and kangaroo paw can add pops of colour, while foliage plants like ferns or cordylines offer texture and depth.

Herbs and Edibles:

Growing your own herbs like rosemary, oregano, and parsley, or vegetables like tomatoes and leafy greens, is super rewarding. They're practical too – fresh produce right at your fingertips.

Privacy and Shade:

If privacy or shade is what you're after, go for taller plants like bamboo, palms, or trellised vines. These can act as natural screens, giving you a cosy and private outdoor retreat.

Keep Up with Maintenance

Regular care is key to keeping your balcony or patio garden thriving. Set up a watering routine that fits your plants' needs. Grouping plants with similar watering requirements can make things easier, especially during the hot Aussie summer. Don't forget to fertilise when needed, keep an eye out for pests, and give your plants a prune now and then to encourage new growth.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a vibrant, low-maintenance balcony or patio garden that enhances your outdoor living space and fits perfectly with Australia's climate.

Keen to read more? Check out this blog on Using Pots to Help Screen a Space