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Sometimes, living amidst the hustle bustle of Singapore, can make you miss the thriving greenery of a yard.

Waking up in the morning to the beautiful sight of fresh flowers and lush green plants can make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. In these modern times, where most of the homes in cities are limited to high-rise apartments, it is still possible to wake up and enjoy the beauty of plants in your balcony. You can create a beautiful garden in the comforts of your apartment balcony. Plants not only add to the aesthetic appeal but are also known for their therapeutic properties. Plants reduce pollution and improve the quality of air surrounding them. They also soothe your mind and help relieve stress. Given below are some tips to achieve a beautiful balcony garden.

Weather conditions and sunlight   

Check out the amount of sunlight your balcony receives. Some plants require a lot of sunlight, whereas others can thrive even without it. If you get ample sunlight in your balcony you can plant succulents, lavender, morning glory, roses and grasses. In case your balcony does not receive much sunlight, you can plant English ivy, ferns, peace lilies and begonias. Understand your balcony’s microclimate. The climate within a balcony usually differs from the climate from its surroundings, based on whether it is exposed to wind, gets a lot of sunlight or is shaded. However, the good news is that there are numerous plants that grow well in almost every condition. Some plants apt for balcony gardens are vegetables like spinach, tomato, chilli and fenugreek and herbs like mint, basil and coriander.       

Planters

Choose planters that are compatible with your plant growth. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to allow excess water to flow out and air to enter in. You can choose pots made of plastic, clay or terracotta. Hanging baskets with flowering plants adds to the aesthetic appeal of the balcony. You can also use decorative pots that can be placed on a shelf in your balcony. Planters of varying shapes, sizes and material are available in the market. You can even conveniently  browse through online marketplaces like AliExpress or Ezbuy for an impressive range of garden supplies like watering kits, flower pots and planters, garden decor, fertilizer, bonsai etc.   

Vertical garden

If space is a constraint in your balcony, you can set up a vertical garden. A vertical garden with colourful flowers and fancy pots add to the beauty of a garden. Flowering plants like marigold, rose, hibiscus and anthurium enlivens the space with their bright hues and soothing fragrances. You can use hanging baskets and pots arranged vertically using fasteners. Another option is to use racks or ladders to place your pots. You can hang some planters on the railings of your balcony and also allow some climbers to climb it. By creating a vertical garden, you will actually be surprised to see the amount of space available for your plants in your balcony.

Placing furniture

Enhance the beauty of your balcony garden by placing some furniture, may be like a petite table and a chair or two. You can place a pot of herbs like mint or basil on the table, or a planter with some flowering plants in it. If space permits, you can place a small book rack or even a storage unit in your balcony. If the space is really small, you can choose to use foldable furniture in your balcony. You can also use bright-coloured floor cushions, a small bench, stools etc. in your balcony.

Illumination

Light up your balcony with string lights and lanterns for that extra sparkle during the night. If you prefer to sit and read in your balcony during night time, you will need a brighter lighting. Candles add a beautiful glow to the atmosphere around. You can use tea light candles to illuminate your balcony and make it warm and romantic.

After you are satisfied with setting up your balcony garden, make sure that you care for the plants regularly. Water your plants, as required. You can set up a sprinkler or drip system. If you see weeds growing in your pots, remove them. Cut dead or wilting flowers and make sure that your pot is not crowded. A balcony garden not only makes your home look beautiful but also surrounds it with a calm and soothing aura.   

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