Flowers and even vegetables add a beauty and oasis feeling to any backyard or indoor living area. They are particularly stunning in small space areas like patios and balconies. The addition of color, fragrance and flora moving in the wind creates a Garden of Eden or Secret garden feel.
photo credit: jfeuchter

Possibly you have a small yard or no yard but there is still hope for a lush hanging garden filled with a variety of flowers, herbs and vegetables.

All you need is a deck, or wall or a window–or any combination of those three! And even hanging basket suspended from the ceiling has a great look. Just watch for the weight of hanging baskets when using a ceiling.

When planning for a small space garden area, each plant takes on new meaning. Select only what you want and your indoor lighting will accommodate. You may also consider miniature versions of certain plants like miniature roses, mini pumpkins, or cacti.

Where is the best location for your garden? Window boxes work well if you plan on using sills. You can find flower boxes with grooves to fit on top of deck railings. This will help to ensure the boxes stay in place. With the wide selection of window boxes available you can match and compliment any interior design. And if you’re creative you can make your own window boxes and indoor planters.

I have even seen an entire wall that was turned into a hanging wall garden and it was stunning. This was accomplished with hanging boxes and hanging baskets. And in the corner was a small water fountain.

Decide what will you plant in your small space hanging garden. Annuals? Perennials? Vegetables? Or will you go for color and fragrance? It’s possible to have a few plants of each and mix them in the baskets and boxes.

Annuals, such as begonias, firetail and wave petunias have brilliant flowers that cascade in weeping branches. Alyssum (or “sweet alyssum”) has a wonderful evening fragrance. Perennials include the lilac-colored Molinae and thick, bushy, Trailing Antique Rose. And don’t forget nasturtiums and lavender. Vines will also add color and line to your garden area.

Small vegetable like mini hot peppers, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and mini squash or pumpkins will easily grow in boxes and hanging baskets. They look colorful mixed with herbs and flowers.
photo credit: miss_rogue

Find out which flowers and vegetables will work with your climate if you plan on having your garden outdoors. And many of these plants can be brought indoors or over wintered if you can enclose your patio or balcony area. Your local gardening center should be able to help you with your climate growing information.

One other consideration you may have to make is additional lighting. Plants need six to eight hours of light a day. If you windows are not supplying adequate light you may want to add spotlight or floor lamps.

With planning and a little creativity you can create your own small space mini garden oasis to relax in after a day of work. You will be amazed how the addition of a garden area will give your living space a larger feeling.

Technorati Tags: balcony garden, container gardening, Small Space Garden, water fountain

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 at 5:27 pm and is filed under Small Space Garden. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.