DIY Garden-Ornament Balcony

A balcony is an extension of your living space.

A balcony garden is a great opportunity to bring nature into your living area with very little effort. The combination of plants and ornaments can create a unique space and enhance the beauty of your home. Your balcony design should reflect your personal tastes and preferences. One person may choose to decorate with garden gnomes and pink flamingos, while another may choose stained glass and wrought iron statutes.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Potted plants
• Garden ornaments
• Drill
• Masonry bits
• Masonry screws
• Wire

Instructions

1. 

   Planning your garden space is important.

   Draw out what you want your balcony to look like on paper. Your garden design should fit the size of your balcony space since the space is fixed and cannot be expanded. Do not overfill it. Make sure that the pots and any ornaments you use are proportional. Anything that is taller than the railing may be a problem if it is not securely fastened to the railing or the building. The design of the garden should be driven by the intended use of the space. If you plan to sit on the balcony, leave room for chairs and maybe a table. Place pots and ornaments at different heights so there are items of interest at a seated level as well as a standing level.

2. Use ornaments to add texture, shape or color to a balcony garden. Shiny objects like gazing balls or metal-finish statues can be used to reflect light. A decorative box provides a contrasting shape to a round pot. Ornaments can stand on their own or be mixed in with your pots.

3. Use a small fountain to add ambiance. The sound of trickling water is soothing and can be used to mask street noises. An electrical outlet is required to run the pump for some fountains, or you can opt for a solar-powered fountain if your balcony receives enough direct sunlight. Place fountains in a sheltered corner of the balcony where wind is less likely to create a spray problem.

4. Garden ornaments can be purchased at the garden center, found at a garage sale or created from items you have around the house. Use items that can handle exposure to the elements like wood, metal or plastic.

Tips & Warnings

• Know what your weight limit is for the balcony. A saturated pot weighs significantly more than a pot with dry soil. A gallon of water weighs approximately 8 pounds. Keep a running total of the capacity of every pot placed on the balcony. Choose garden ornaments that are not too heavy.

• Items that are light-weight may be blown away unless they are securely fastened. To fasten items to the balcony, use a a drill with a masonry bit, and screw items down to the balcony floor.

• Avoid putting too much weight on the railings.The weight of ornaments or plants on the railing may cause the railing to loosen from the wall.

References

• Pink Flamingos: The Lore and Lure of Lawn Ornaments; Dedember 17, 2007
• Great Use of Garden Ornaments; February 8, 2009