Transform Your Balcony Into a Serene Outdoor Oasis

To numerous city residents, a balcony or tiny garden might represent their sole private area outdoors, serving as a sanctuary for relaxation and contemplation throughout the summertime.

Yet, what steps can you take to transform your balcony into a soothing and inviting space that helps alleviate the stresses of daily life?

Some initiatives for small spaces are in place. The One Show and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are partnering to introduce their second Pocket Garden Makeover Prize. This initiative provides one lucky individual with an opportunity to revamp their compact garden or balcony area into a serene retreat (more details will be shared on The One Show tonight at 7 pm).

In another development, mindfulness and well-being have taken center stage within the Balcony and Container Gardens section of this year’s competition. RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Given this, the acclaimed garden designer Hamzah-Adam Desai is drawing inspiration from color therapy in his MS Amlin Tranquil Haven Garden .

My garden honors the leaves and overlooked plant champions that might not immediately catch one's attention," he says. "The idea is to shift how you perceive plants, moving away from those showy blooms towards appreciating leaf shapes instead. As they say, spending just 40 seconds mindfully observing can be incredibly easy and helps your brain relax and rejuvenate.

How can we implement his concepts on our individual balconies or tiny gardens?

Use calming colours

Various shades of green, often linked to nature and wellness, will be showcased extensively in his show garden. This will create a soothing and recuperative ambiance aimed at reducing stress, boosting cognitive abilities, and fostering creativity.

There are numerous hues of green along with various textures within that spectrum. Many individuals believe that green plants are uninteresting, but I disagree. By selecting your plants wisely, you can maintain some vibrancy.

If you wish to add color, consider hues of purple, mauve, blue, silver, along with some consistently green-white blooms, as advised by Desai.

Don’t forget white

White is very soothing, yet adding some variety is essential. Therefore, in my display garden, I've included Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow,' a variegated plant featuring shades of burgundy among the green leaves.

Observe the dimensions and forms of leaves.

"There is increasing proof that observing leaf patterns can significantly help in lowering stress levels and boosting creativity, as well as enhancing cognitive functions and connections," he clarifies.

Tiarella 'Tiger Stripe' is an excellent option because it features a glaucous leaf adorned with a purple stripe — offering a soothing green hue along with a touch of purple, which can be both calming and invigorating, according to Desai.

"Euphorbia 'Martini' boasts exceptional foliage during spring, and I've incorporated some grasses into the mix—not just for their color. This garden emphasizes connecting with nature and appreciating plant life; however, there's also a Stipa present, which becomes particularly soothing as the breeze causes it to sway," he notes.

Think about the leaves of your chosen plant and make sure they remain green year-round. Don’t worry too much about flowers; instead, aim for a mixture featuring primarily linear shapes with shiny foliage. For instance, I use Luzula nivea in a container—it resembles grass but is actually an herbaceous perennial—and combine it with a glossy-leafed fern.

When combining the foliage, you'll notice two striking contrasts. To add more intrigue, consider incorporating either Brunnera macrophylla or Lamium. For a burst of color, opt for a Heuchera like Heuchera 'Green Spice'.

“Avoid having all the leaves identical.”

Avoid blousy flowers

If your aim is to create a soothing environment, Desai recommends steering clear of large, flamboyant blooms. "The flowers I'm incorporating are all quite subtle," she explains. "They're designed to make you pause and observe them." She mentions using epimedium, which feature a blend of white and soft pink hues and remain green year-round, as well as luzula, known for its white blossoms.

Think about repeat planting

Regardless of the dimensions and form of your balcony or petite exterior zone, repeating plantings can generate a sense of continuity throughout the space, according to Desai.

If the planter is square, treat it as part of a garden bed for planting purposes; thus, repeating colors or types of plants can create cohesion within your design. Avoid using just one of each type of plant. If the container size allows, choose three or four varieties then duplicate these throughout the space.

If you're aiming for a soothing and tranquil green theme, consider the patterns you are forming. If ferns are already part of your decor, perhaps incorporate more fern elements elsewhere.

If the same plant appears multiple times, it doesn’t overwhelm. Instead, it creates simplicity. In the showcase garden, I’ve included roughly nine plants that are recurring. This makes it easier for the viewer to concentrate as it’s soothing to look at.

Learn to love shade

I believe many individuals find shade challenging, so I suggest using this space for soothing plant arrangements since numerous shade-loving plants remain green year-round. In my Chelsea garden, all the greenery is placed in shaded areas, whereas the vibrant colored plants are positioned where they can soak up the sunlight.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from May 20-24.

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