Charlie on his balcony
«You can rarely choose which direction your garden, balcony or terrace is going to face so adapt your planting to suit its situation and exposure to sun and shade. Hostas are good in the shade and they are particularly easy to grow (just beware of slugs — consider banding your pots with a copper ring to ward off devastation). A surprising number of perennials enjoy a spot away from direct sunlight. Foxgloves, agapanthus, lavender and star jasmine are good in sunny locations.
Charlie and Ben on their London rooftop
Our London balcony garden is split into two levels. The lower level is for sitting so we have a small table and chairs in the middle surrounded by clematis and jasmine and lots of pots. The climbers offer privacy. The upper level is reached by steep metal staircase and this is where we have large planters filled with vegetables and flowers for cutting.»
A bistro set and a potted plant or two can brighten up a small space, like the balcony of interior designer Virginia Howard's elegant Pimlico apartment
«Accessibility can affect small spaces so it's good to have a think about what size planters to use on a balcony or small deck and also consider how the garden is going to be watered before installing them. Pots dry out quickly so will need regular watering in the warmer months. It's worth putting a simple automated watering system if you know you will occasionally be away or don't fancy endless trips with a watering can.»
Wrought-iron chairs and a table provide a place to take in the view on this terrace at the London house of Henrietta Courtauld of the Land Gardeners
“At the moment I'm growing a mixture of perennials, bulbs, trees, succulents, box, climbers and vegetables. I like the variety.
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