Modern urban environments, especially high-rise buildings, pose challenges for flower gardeners. Limited space and lack of access to land should not stop you from creating a beautiful flower bed. Balconies, including glazed ones, can be a great place to grow plants if you approach the selection and placement correctly. Let’s look at windproof plants that are perfect for balconies, and give advice on their placement.
Why windproof plants?
In urban climates, especially on upper floors, plants are exposed to high winds and temperature fluctuations. Windproof plants can not only survive, but thrive in these conditions. Their strong stems and flexible leaves help them cope with unfavourable weather conditions.
How to use a balcony for flower beds
1. Container gardening: Use pots and planters for your flora. This will give you control over their growing conditions and make it easy to reposition them according to the weather.
2. Vertical gardening: Install shelves or trellises for climbing plants. This will help save space and create a beautiful green wall.
3. Glazed balconies: If your balcony is glazed, this will provide extra protection from wind and cold. You can place more demanding plants that require warmth and protection.
Plant selection
Here are some windproof plants you can grow on your balcony:
Perennials
1. Lavender: This fragrant herb is not only wind-resistant but also attracts bees. Lavender can be grown in containers and survives the winter well.
2. Rudbeckia: The brightly coloured flowers of rudbeckia will add colour to your balcony. These plants are cold tolerant and require little maintenance.
3. Sedum: These succulents are great for container gardening and easily tolerate drought and cold.
4. Phlox: The perennial phlox has bright colours and grows well in containers. It is also cold tolerant.
Annual plants
1. Cineraria: This plant with bright colours is great for balconies. They tolerate cold well and can bloom even at low temperatures.
2. Petunia: Petunias are popular annuals that come in many varieties and colours. They are wind resistant and can bloom beautifully in containers.
3. Nasturtium: This is not only a beautiful plant but also an edible plant. Nasturtiums grow easily in containers and can tolerate light frosts.
4. Calibrachoa: These small flowers create a spectacular carpet of bright colours and are wind and cold resistant.
Placement options
1. Horizontal placement: Use boxes and pots attached to the balcony railing. This will create a colourful border and protect from the wind.
2. Vertical placement: Install shelves or racks for pots. This will allow you to utilise the space more efficiently and create an interesting visual effect.
3. Create a green wall: Use lattices or specialised vertical containers for climbing plants such as nasturtiums or peas. This will not only beautify the balcony, but also create extra protection from the wind.
4. Combination arrangements: Mix perennials and annuals in the same container. This will allow you to create colourful highlights and prolong flowering throughout the season.
Conclusion
A balcony is not only a place to store things, but also a great opportunity to create a beautiful flower garden, even in limited space. By choosing windproof plants, you will be able to enjoy a green corner in your home, regardless of weather conditions. The right choice of plants and their placement will help you create a homely and stylish space that will please the eye and lift your spirits.
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