It is a satisfying endeavor of many apartment residents in Australia to convert their small balcony into a picturesque flowerbed. Brisbane high-rise scorching, or Melbourne terrace windy, the secret in both cases is to use plants that will be able to handle the microclimates of the balcony. Contrary to garden beds, pots are drier and more vulnerable to the elements and thus the choice of tough and adaptable species is the initial step towards a flowering haven.
Determining Your Balcony Micro climate
Spaces Before buying your first seedling, have a look around. Australian balconies tend to be at the two ends of the spectrum: the north-facing ones may overheat in the summer sun, whereas the south-facing ones may be in shade forever. Another issue of great concern is wind, especially in high rise apartments, where it is capable of being blown away by the wind and deprive soil of moisture as well as blow leaves away which are otherwise so delicate. In sunny areas that are exposed, find silver or waxy-leaf plants that are tolerant to drought. When the balcony is shady, pay attention to the understory plants that can tolerate the dappled light and cool environment.
Going Native: Hardy Options of the Australian
Making use of Australian native plants, in the low-maintenance balcony gardens, is usually the best solution since it is well adjusted to the local climate. The Cut-Leaf Daisy (Brachyscome) is a small space star; the dainty mauve or white flowers are in great proliferation all year round and make beautiful cascades in hanging baskets. In dark balconies, a splendid green carpet, the Native Violet (Viola hederacea), will be seen, with white and purple flowers, growing in a pot where the soil is kept constantly moist. Kangaroo Paws especially the dwarf ones such as the Bush Gem series provide architectural height and colour in a small footprint.
Pop and Exotics in Colours
And when you would have strong doses of colour, hardy exotics are fine companions of natives. Geraniums (Pelargoniums) are virtual bulletproof in the Australian climate, being able to endure heat and neglect, but giving large amounts of reds, pink, and white. To achieve a traditional summer appearance, Petunias are a spectacular display of colour, however; they need to be watered daily in times of heat waves. Star Jasmine is a wonderful vertically growing shrub in case you have a vertical trellis; it is a good privacy hedge, stands sun and part shade, and fragrances the night air with a sweet smell during the spring.
Vertical and Hanging Solutions
Thinking vertically is necessary when there is a scarcity of the floor space. Hanging baskets and railing planters enable you to stack your garden making your own garden area 2 times. Suculent plants such as Scaevola (Fan Flower) which is also a hardy native would be suitable, and hang out of the sides with a spill of purple or blue flowers resistant to salt spray and wind. The plants may be mounted on the wall as pockets which are easy to place and which display succulents and even hardy herbs and therefore they do not invade your sitting space.
Container Gardens Essentials
The art of pots is reduced to water and soil. A high quality potting mix, marked with the Australian Standards red tick, should always be used because it has the wetting agents and slow release fertilizer which are crucial in maintaining the health of the containers. Pots have a way of drying up in a few hours during summer, and to help avoid this, you can use self watering pots, or you can place a layer of cane sugar, or pebbles, on the top of your pots to trap in the moisture. Frequent deadheading (cutting off used flower ) will also motivate your plants to focus on future bloom as opposed to producing seeds thus making your balcony stay colourful.
Quick Plant Selection Data
| Plant Name | Light Needs | Water Needs | Best Use |
| Cut-Leaf Daisy | Sun / Part Shade | Moderate | Hanging Baskets |
| Geranium | Full Sun | Low / Moderate | Windy / Hot Spots |
| Native Violet | Shade / Part Sun | High (Keep Moist) | Groundcover / Shade |
| Star Jasmine | Sun / Part Shade | Moderate | Privacy Screen / Scent |
| Scaevola | Full Sun | Low | Trailing / Railing Pots |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times shall I water my pots in the balcony in summer?
During the summer seasons in Australia, small pots can require up to one or in some instances two daily watering, especially during the hot days. Determine the water content of the soil by inserting your finger 2-3cm into the soil; when it feels dry, then you need to water.
2. Is it possible to use garden soil in my pots?
No, the garden soil is too heavy and would squeeze in a pot and suffocated the roots and gave the drainage problems. Always make use of a high quality container potting mix.
3. Which is the most suitable flowering plant in a very windy balcony?
Coastal Rosemary ( Westringia) and Geraniums are good options. Their stems and leaves are tough and can resist strong winds without being shredded and drying up easily.
Disclaimer
The material is informational in nature. You may refer to the official sources, that is our goal to give all the users the correct information.
