Good plants for balcony

[redlittlesquirrel]

We would like to have a few plants on our balcony but my gardening knowledge is limited so I am open to suggestions!

We're on the ground floor so just want something to block out a bit of the view really. The balcony is quite small (enough room to stand out there but you wouldn't be able to fit a table or chairs on it) so we don't want anything too big.

The balcony does get some sunlight but not a massive amount so it would need to be something that is happy in the shade!

Any ideas?

You’re fortunate that you’re not higher up, so wind chill will not be a problem and obviously everything will be in planters. I’d look at climbers, clematis or a slower growing honeysuckle.
The smaller Hydrangeas won’t mind some shade and have long flowering seasons. A Japanese Acer ( again the smaller variety) would look pretty.
Other than that, seasonal flowering plants will give you colour.
The main things will be the right compost, feeding and watering.