 Apartment Gardening
By Kelly O'Gorman of Tinkerbell Gardens
Living in a condominium or an apartment with a balcony
gives the opportunity to explore the world of container gardens and alternative garden
design. Even the smallest of spaces can be easily transformed into a personal oasis; a
place to relax surrounded by nature. The process to achieve this kind of space undoubtedly
requires some imagination, and the scene you choose can range from the truly artistic to a
country living feel.
Gardens of all shapes and designs are possible, including gardens for
people with busy lifestyles who do not have the time or the desire to maintain plants. A
garden can be plant-free, using other objects such as driftwood, seashells, rocks,
crystals, sculptures or water features. Some people find this kind of garden harmonious
and enjoy the aspect of no maintenance.
Your balcony is an extension of your living space, and careful
consideration to the design should be taken. Such considerations should include the amount
of furniture needed in that space. You will need enough room to safely negotiate without
bumping into pots; therefore careful measurements are a factor.
Container plants must have drainage. You can kill or cause disease in
your plants from stagnant soil. Most outdoor containers come with drain holes, however
some of the very large pots do not. You can drill them yourself using a carbide bit.
Remember to pour water in the area you are going to drill, as drilling creates a great
deal of heat and can cause cracking to the pot. Also recommended is the use of a drip
tray. Most ceramic pots do not come with a drip tray and they have to be purchased
separately. However, in the case of balcony gardens, both you and your neighbours below
will appreciate that extra effort.
There are endless choices of plants available and the list increases
every year with new varieties. Choose plants that will perform in the area you intend to
place them. That means knowing what you are buying or, at the very least, reading the
tags. Most greenhouses have staff on hand that can answer your questions. Research goes a
long way and if you are working on a budget, it is best to have a planned list to avoid
mistakes.
There are no steadfast rules to choosing colour combinations of
flowering plants. It is entirely a personal choice. However, if you are trying to create a
particular feeling to your space some rules will apply. For example, a high-energy garden
will have a lot of red, yellow and orange colours. A romantic garden would have the paler
tones of pink, tangerine, butter yellow, mauve and white. A garden to appreciate in the
later evening hours would have a lot of white, green, red and variegated plants.
Aside from bringing nature into your space to create tranquillity,
container gardens can have a practical value. Many herbs, fruit, vegetables, as well as
edible flowers can be grown.
Kelly O'Gorman has designed gardens in Canada and in Europe
for over 15 years. She is the owner of Tinkerbell Gardens, creating unique designs for
small spaces. Contact her in Calgary at 403.863.1389. |
