URBAN RETREAT WITH VIEWS

This balcony epitomises a urban retreat. The neutral colourscheme and comfortable furniture, blends in with the natural relaxed feel of the space.

The surface treatment of the floor is what we like best. Using small smooth pebbles (rather than pavers or concrete floors) creates a barefoot sensory experience and is quite unusual for a balcony garden.

Simple planting of mature trees in large planters gives this space just the right amount of filtered light, creating a calm and soothing environment to relax in.

PLACE AND PURPOSE

This small balcony has been cleverly planned down to the last square inch. Everything on this balcony has a place and purpose.

The transition between sit down area and the herb and veggie planters is carefully considered by using a floating timber floor to define the space.

Don’t you just love the patch of lawn too! Who would have thought you could have a grass lawn on a balcony like this.

TIP – If you decide to grow a balcony lawn, make sure the space gets at least 4-5 hours of sunlight a day. Don’t forget it will need regular watering too, just like your other pot plants.

We also like the creeper on the wall, not only will this soon grow to be a beautiful green wall, the clever use of wall bracket creates an interesting frame for the creeper to grow on.

Image credit: houseandhome.com

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Don’t let your small space limit your creativity. This example shows what can be achieved with the owner of this balcony garden adopting their own green vision in a concrete jungle.

Privacy as well as natural ventilation is achieved using a line of pots and planters filled with different leaf textured plants such as palms, strelizias, and ficus trees.

The installation of an outdoor fabric curtain with custom built roof runners gives the option for open views or private occasion without being boxed in.

It’s refreshing to see people living outside the conventional urban box and proves that sometimes taking bold design risks can pay off.

Looking down, view from above!

Image credit: domusweb.it

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Think your outdoor space is too small to grow your own vegetables or herbs? We’ve found some clever ideas to not only get you inspired but to show you how to make the most of the space you have.

GUTTER GARDENING

Here these old gutters have been repurposed and suspended above one another making the perfect hanging vegetable patch. They also create an interesting talking point.

Image credit: herblog.com

PALLET GARDENS

Vertical gardens are all the rage these days, so why not try making an edible one. Fern Richardson from lifeonthebalcony.com shows you how to transform an old shipping pallet into a vertical garden. Click here to view Fern’s step-by-step instructions.

Image credit: lifeonthebalcony.com

WINE CRATES

Keeping with the repurposing theme, here some old wooden wine crates have been turned into planter boxes. Not only do they look unique, these planters can be easily moved to suit your balcony or patio space, or repostitioned to maximise growing conditions.

Image credit: lhdesignsblog.com

CLEVER USE OF SPACE

This is a great example of maximizing the space you have to its full potential. The retaining wall is filled with herbs and vegetables, creating an edible garden.  An ingenious way of maximizing space in an area not normally used for this purpose.

Image credit: jamiedurie.com

WHAT TO PLANT NOW

Here in Australia, Autumn has arrived so it’s now time to plant your winter leafy greens and root vegetables. Here’s a list to get you started.

• Beetroot
• Broad Beans
• Brussel Sprouts
• Onions
• Spring Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Kohl Rabi
• Lettuce
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Rocket
• Peas
• Turnip
• Kale
• Parsnip
• Radish
• Coriander
• Perennial Herbs such as Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Fennel and Tarragon

We’d love you to share your inspiration, advice or ideas for growing small edible gardens in urban environments. Send us some photos or upload your comments, perhaps you have your own small veggie patch you would like to show us.

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The examples shared below are all small space gardens on a rectangular plot of land approximately  5 – 10m2 in size and illustrate how through clever landscape design and a little imagination, small space gardens can have no boundaries.

THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE

This garden cleverly disguises the lands straight edge by installing curved garden elements within the boundaries.

The curvature of the fence, garden edge and decking is a clever technique which tricks you into thinking the space is bigger than it really is. The free form design appears boundless and unrestricted.

Image credit: gardendesign.com

I HAVE NO ROOM FOR A POOL

The next example proves this notion is false. The clean lines between inside and outside living are blurred by the installation of a pool.

Keeping the colours of the pool steppers and aluminium wall panels of the house cohesive, this pool area looks very much a part of the house. The installation of the timber platform overhanging the pool and the mature frangipani tree help to soften the area.

The designer has definitely utilised every square inch of this small space successfully.

Image credit: ong-ong.com

CREATING YOUR OWN URBAN OASIS

For the urban dwellers who feel confined in their city properties, this example is a breath of fresh air.

Timber flooring and decking adds to the charm of this urban garden escape. Earthy, moss coloured pots filled with texture rich plants are used to curve the path, giving an illusion of space.

Layered planting of larger plant species behind these pots gives the garden a sense of perspective and mimics nature. The garden gives the impression it goes on and on.

Image credit: member.tripod.com

DESIGN TIPS FOR SMALL SPACE BACKYARDS

Use curves in the design to make the area feel unrestricted and therefore bigger.

Utilise every square inch of land you have. Be clever in disguising existing fencing or boundaries. Use vertical gardens, decorative timber screens or hedging plants to soften boundaries without making the area appear smaller. Simply painting your fence a dark colour will help give the illusion of more space, by making the fence disappear into the landscape.

Use layered planting techniques to add perspective and depth to the garden. Plant small plants towards the front and medium to larger screening plants towards the back.

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LIVING ART

No matter how small a space when designing a house, consider incorporating a design element to link the inside with the out. In this example the designer has used an oversized window with an outlook to a small outdoor area planted with large cactus plants. Such a simple idea, yet it looks so effective. The sculptural qualities of these plants create a living piece of art which can be admired from the indoors or out.

Image credit: referans.wordpress.com

POTTED GRASS

If your flooring and walling elements outside are neutral or somewhat bland, you can introduce some striking design elements to lift the space. This outdoor area does just that. A retro wireframe chair has been used as a sculptural piece.  It is anchored in its surrounds by a single pot, planted with green grass. Who would have thought grass alone could look so design chic!

Image credit: freshdirt.sunset.com

PLAY WITH SCALE

Continuing the indoor / outdoor link, why not create impact in your hallway or front entrance by inviting the outside in.  Normally large scale pots and plants would be left for the outdoors. Introducing a large scale pot into an interior environment makes not only a unique “pot plant” but a great focal point to admire.

Image credit: stua.com

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You should treat your balcony as an “outdoor room” and an extension of your home. To get the most from your balcony design, ask yourself how you would like to use your space?  Will it be used for outdoor entertaining, a relaxing space to read, a spot to grow veggies and herbs or simply an urban sanctuary to escape a busy city life? Deciding on the end use will help determine the entire look and feel or your balcony design, including planting selection and outdoor furniture and accessory choice.

SLEEK AND STYLISH

For a sleek, modern look why not construct a built-in seat at one end of your balcony.   This balcony still has an open plan, non- cluttered feel but the new addition seating creates a relaxing spot to sit.

Image credit: rachelthurston.com

TURNING DRAB INTO FAB

Splashes of colour always work well in drab urban surroundings. Brighten up your balcony with funky coloured outdoor furniture and accessories.

Image credit: casadevalentina.com.br

BALCONY MAKEOVER ON A BUDGET

Here is a great example of a budget friendly balcony makeover, perfect for renters looking for inexpensive ideas to bring their balcony to life.

Image credit: designsponge.com

1.Hide unwanted surfaces (such as old tiles) by using a decorative outdoor rug.

2. Give your balcony space a lift by introducing a selection of pots and plants. Grow hardy plants such as conifer varieties and drought tolerant favourites like yuccas, agave and succulent varieties.

3. Respray old chairs and inject colour by adding bright cushions and outdoor accessories to decorate your space.

4. Create privacy from your neighbours by constructing a cheap trellis screen. Plant a drought tolerant creeper (like a bougainvillea or mandevilla) and you will have a natural green screen in no time.

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Fabric planter covers! These make a great alternative to plain coloured pots….we’ll show you how.

Image credit: ashleyannphotography.com

All you need is:
Terracotta pot
Fabric
PVA glue
Brush
Scissors

Start by cutting a length of fabric that will wrap once around your pot. Leave extra room for folding it over on the top and bottom. Cut slits in the fabric around the top, to avoid puckering as you make your way around.

Begin by coating a small section of the pot with PVA glue. Stick the beginning of your fabric length to the pot and once it is in place, coat the fabric with PVA. Continue doing this all the way around, without worrying about the top or bottom of the pot. When the outside of the pot is finished, trim your fabric so that less than an inch hangs over the top and bottom.

Next, begin at the top, folding the fabric into the pot in pleats so that it lays nice and flat around the rim. Coat in PVA. Do the same for the bottom, folding the fabric in pleats so that the bottom edge of the pot remains smooth. Coat any loose flaps of fabric with PVA.

Now let your pot dry.

VERTICAL GARDENS

A common theme in our travels, vertical gardens are becoming more and more popular in Australia too due to space restrictions and smaller living spaces.

Here is a great inexpensive vertical garden design, you could make yourself that looks effective too. Great for a balcony wall.

Image credit: designrevolver.org

VINTAGE INSPIRED OUTDOOR FURNITURE

This is all the rage right now! Look at these intricate designed metal chairs, powdercoated in funky colours. I want one of each!

Image credit: anthropologie.com

FUN FOR EVERYONE

Kids still can have fun in small space gardens with this clever portable sandbox.

Parents will also love it because it is easy to move out of the way when entertaining.

Win-win!

Image credit: remodelista.com

PALM SPRINGS IN YOUR BACKYARD

Look how comfortable these flamingos look in their new surrounds. Your friends will look twice!

Image credit: felderrushing.net

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Every now and then we will share with you a selection of urban gardens, courtyards, balconies, rooftops and patios that we find inspiring and hope it in turn provides you with some inspiration in transforming your small urban space into a garden you love.

Just because it’s the end of the summer holidays it doesn’t mean you can’t bring the holidays home with you. Vibrant garden accessories and furniture can brighten up your urban outdoor space, so it feels like summer holidays all year round.

Image credit: superkitina.wordpress.com

THE URBAN RETREAT

You can create your own lush sanctuary to escape the city grind in any small space. Choosing interesting plants based on form and texture, not only looks great but can provide privacy and shading solutions. Add some colourful cushions and a matching rug for comfort and you’ll have no excuse for not relaxing at home.

Image credit: style-file.com

BUT I HAVE A SMALL UNUSUALLY SHAPED COURTYARD…

Here’s proof that clever garden design and the right choice of colour palette can transform even the most awkward shaped area into an inviting outdoor space.

Image credit: desiretoinspire.net

BUDGET SAVVY

There is no need to spend a fortune in creating your urban retreat.

Some simple tips include taking the time to tidy up can make all the difference. Cut back overgrown shrubs and sweep up leaf debris.

Up-cycle your old outdoor setting with a lick of paint or pick up a brightly coloured hammock, which is not only a cheap addition to your outdoor area, but gives you a great spot to sit back and relax with a cup of tea and a good book.

Image credit: silive.com

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CONTEMPORARY GARDEN DESIGN

A beautifully crafted and composed garden. The built-in recessed table and seating area would be a great idea to incorporate into a small space courtyard design.

CLEVER PLANT SELECTION

The use of form, colour and texture of plants to create a naturally appealing landscape. Great inspiration for tropical planting schemes and selection here.

THE PERFECT PLUNGE POOL

The simplicity of this pool design with its wide dark lip and aqua colour interior framed by a natural tropical landscape just looks so inviting, don’t you just want to dive in?

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF GARDEN DESIGN

Here is an inventive approach to small space gardening. When there is little space – why not go vertical and create a plant monument. The rustic timber columns make an impressive statement.

A CLEVER USE OF A SMALL SPACE

Small terracotta planters hung on a steel mesh screen create a decorative feature to this shopfront. This idea would work well on a small space balcony or courtyard wall.

THE ULTIMATE DECK!

We want this at our place – bar, view and music included of course!

EFFORTLESS DESIGN

You can always tell a great garden design, it looks comfortable in it’s surrounds, like it was meant to be there. Absolutely beautiful!

Happy New Year everyone!

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BEACH BALCONY

If you’re going away for a beach holiday this Christmas, here is an amazing beach balcony to get you excited. It even comes with a sandy floor….no need to take your shoes off here!

Image credit: photobucket.com

SUMMER RETREAT

For those who are holidaying at home this season, why not create a summer retreat in your own backyard.

Bright pops of colour using funky outdoor fabrics and flowering plants can help with creating the summer vibe.  Creating a comfortable spot to laze in the sun, sip a cold drink and relax is also a must, whether it be a daybed with lots of comfy pillows or a seating area to chill out in.

Here are 3 examples that caught our eye.

Image credit: housebeautiful.com     uxua.com     housetohome.co.uk

HOLIDAY PROOF PLANTS

Most gardens need lots of love and care. When you go away on holidays this year who will be looking after your plants?   Planting a garden using low maintenance and drought tolerant varieties means you can quite happily holiday away, knowing your garden will still be alive when you return.

For larger spaces here are 3 garden examples which not only look fantastic but practically look after themselves.

Image credit: google.com    houzz.com    ivillage.com

We haven’t forgotten about balcony gardens, or courtyards etiher. Clever container planting using low maintenance plants such as succulent species are a great option, requiring minimal TLC.

Image credit: photobucket.com    revivalhomeandgarden.com

We wish you and your family a very Merry Chirstmas.
Happy holidays!

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SUCCULENT WREATH

Make a succulent wreath for your front door or use the wreath as a centre piece for your Christmas table. The great thing about this wreath is the fact it uses real plants so after Christmas you can pot up the succulents and place on your balcony.

Image credit: blowoutparty.com

A LIVING TREE

Why not buy a real Christmas tree this season and watch it grow from year to year. There is something special about a real Christmas tree. A few tips to keep it healthy, include putting a saucer underneath it’s pot and making sure the soil is kept moist by watering it regularly. You can hide the plastic pot of the tree by using a decorative woven basket or planter cover pot. Topping this with hessian fabric will help stop water evaporation.

Image credit: remodelista.com

DECORATIONS

To compliment your living Christmas tree why not decorate it with living decorations. We found some great succulent decorations and small terranium Christmas baubles. These tiny terraniums would also make an adorable gift for someone special.

Last but not least, how cute are these little guys? Tiny wreaths made out of your favourite herbs which can be used as hanging decorations or as gift tags.

Image credit: frolic-blog.com

Hope this helps to get you in the Christmas spirit!

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