Balcony/porch plant inspiration

[GimbleInTheWabe]

Hi everyone,

I'd love some inspiration for getting some more greenery in to our porch/balcony. It's a small space and a little awkward but there's a flower box space and hanging basket hooks. I also think there's probably floor space for some more plants. I have a few indoor plant babies that I have managed to keep alive for a year or so.

It's quite a shady spot, probably only gets sun for a few hours in the morning and it is mostly sheltered from rain from the roofing on the floor above.

I would be really grateful for any suggestions of plants that would flourish here and brighten up this pretty dull area!

Thanks in advance!

T you can get clematis that give the most amazing massive flowers that can do shade. If you go to Taylors clematis nursery website , you can search by size, flower colour, flower size, length of flower period etc. They grow up wires or trellis, or anything really, and make a massive difference

Thanks Ohyes I'll have a look in to them. Are hey easy to contain? Would want them to encroach on our neighbours area

Maybe a fern in a container ?
plantsforshade.co.uk/acatalog/4-Evergreen-ferns-for-pots-or-shady-borders-859.html

I think busy lizzies/impatiens do ok in shade . And fuschias don't mind either - you could get a trailing one .

Maybe some of these ? extension.illinois.edu/beyond/directory_annuals_shade.cfm

and I'm not sure but I think ( hopefully someone will know ) petunias will cope with a bit of shade !

Well you can pick the right size one for where you want it. So no it'll not encroach.

Thanks Sunny and OhYes I'll have a look into ferns too as I think they might be suitable. I've got lots to learn!

Gimble I think ( from my mistakes ) that compost/drainage etc are really important .I've not worked out the ideal mix yet ,but I think good drainage ( so mix grit/perlite etc ) throughout the compost .With saucers underneath to catch run off .

You can add water retaining gel and slow release fertiliser to compost .

I'm experimenting with vermiculite ( currently at Poundland for £1 for 5 litre bag ) for water retention .

More containers will help you create a lusher effect .Wilko's have a good very inexpensive range .

You do have to water frequently - maybe every day .

These are good threads
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/gardening/2913350-What-can-I-plant-in-containers-now-that-will-give-me-colour-for-the-longest-time?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/gardening/2912229-how-many-plants-should-I-buy-for-each-one-of-these-wall-planters

Wow thank you Sunny, I'll have a look through those threads. I've read before about drainage and how the right soil etc is v important but I am coming from complete ignorance so, like you say I will probs learn a lot from my mistakes!
My flower plant (no idea what it is!) has survived okay with minimal watering but definitely looks pretty sorry for itself so I will up its watering too.
Thanks again, I'll get reading!

I think the plant in the hanging basket might be a geranium .They are good at flowering for ages and if sheltered like yours will survive over winter .Over winter I think you have to refrain from watering ,giving them just a little so they don't dry out completely .

It might like some plant food ...I'm not experienced enough to say what .I think I used Baby Bio ,or they say tomato food is good for nearly everything !

I think if it were me I'd empty out the trough and put fresh potting/hanging basket compost in it ,then I'd move the plant from the hanging basket into it .

Empty out the hanging basket ,half fill it with new compost ready to sit new plants in it - petunias ,lobelia ,ivy leaved trailing geraniums are all good growers and available in lots of places ,my local Morrisons is good .
Arrange them how you like then fill in the gaps with compost .Dont fill right up to the brim as when you water it can all run off !
It's a bit messy doing all this so if you might want to put newspaper down .Oh and you can sit the hanging basket in a bucket ( preferably on a stool or small table to save your back ) while you're working on it .
These pulley things are good for hanging baskets ,they mean that you can pull the basket down to water it and then give it a tug and it goes back up .
www.wilko.com/hanging-baskets+brackets/wilko-hanging-basket-hook-hi-low/invt/0140689

oh ,and add more plants to the trough of course .

I should perhaps also say that the petunias and lobelia will die at the end of autumn .If you want plants that will last all year ...I'd have to think !
I'm sure somebody knowledgeable could suggest things .

Lidls have got stuff coming up- lovely trailing geraniums - 6 for £4 ! this Thursday and petunias from Sunday ...
www.lidl.co.uk/en/Non-Food-Offers.htm?articleId=2733&ar=1

Thanks Sunnyhills sorry I didn't reply. We're having our bathroom renovated this week so it's been a bit crazy here! A pregnant lady without a toilet is not a happy pregnant lady! When it's finished I'm hoping to focus on the balcony and make it look pretty. Would I be too late in the year to get planting stuff as it's now near the middle of spring?

Oh no to toilet absence !

No you won't be too late ( listen to me ,one year on from catching plant fever and I think I'm an expert ! ) I'm sure .I think lots of people don't plant containers until mid May .I've not done mine yet !

If you don't want to drive to garden nurseries for compost and more unusual plants there are lots of lovely bedding plants etc in supermarkets . I bought some bacopa in my local Morrisons yesterda y.And Lidls have lots of geraniums in that look healthy and lovely .

You can get compressed coir compost which is small and v v light from Poundland ,but I'm not sure what it would be like in planters .Maybe ok if mixed with something heavier - anyone know ?

I think my main advice would be to buy more containers - troughs maybe to go on the floor of your balcony - would they get enough light ? Wilko's is good or Poundstretcher for containers .And dont forget saucers to go under them .

Finally ,can you look around and see if any neighbours have plants on their balcony and see what is doing well ?

Just seen that Aldi have nice cheap poys and troughs coming in on Sunday .They have reserviors to help keep moist . I have found black/grey tend to weather better and look nicer than the fake terracota .
Wonder if you could grow sweet peas up some canes from a planter or trough ?