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Planting ideas – A Garden in the sky

Consider turning your plain balcony into a “garden in the sky” and not just use it as an area to wash and dry clothes.

The satisfaction you get in seeing your little garden growing is something that is worth the effort you put in. Sometimes you may get to watch the birds chirping as they take a transit among your plants, hear the rustling of leaves in the breeze, or see the butterflies looking for pollen among the flowers. Better still if you get a bird to set up a nest among your plants! The Chinese believe that nesting birds is an omen of good luck! For nature and plant lovers, a balcony garden is an ideal refuge from the growing urban landscapes.

There are many options for growing plants at your balcony. The typical method would be to use pots to contain your plants. Depending on space available, hanging baskets or planter boxes are other alternatives.

It will take some time and commitment on your part to get things running green and eco-friendly. Don’t create a space that is jam-packed with plants; otherwise they won’t have sufficient space to breathe. You need to spare a thought for your neighbour downstairs; don’t let fallen leaves mess up their balcony. Bamboo and bougainvillea plants shed a lot of leaves.

Secondly, make sure your balcony is water proof and check that the water outlet will not drip water down to your neighbour’s house. Once these are done, you can go about lacing your potted plants using your creativity to suit the space.

Don’t forget that many plants require ample sunlight, and to choose plants that can survive in the restricted conditions. Sometimes you’ll find it is a trial and error activity. The most cost effective way is to get tips from nursery owners and other interest groups or friends.  Your garden can go Balinese, Indian, Japanese, Oriental or Zen, depending on the plants and designs of pots that you choose.  Each of these has its unique design, look and feel. Alternatively, you can create your own unique theme, converting left over cans, bottles, buckets etc to good looking planters.

During festive seasons, you can add twinkling fairy lights to spice up the garden.  Or you may want to introduce soft tea lights for all seasons to delight your guests as they admire your garden.

– This article first appeared in a lifestyle magazine