DIY Home Planters & The Best Plants for Balconies
Gardening can be one of life’s great joys, especially in retirement years. But for those moving to a senior living community, there may not be enough lawn space to take all your beloved plants with you. Luckily, you can create your own lush oasis on your apartment balcony. A small balcony garden can act as a tranquil getaway in your own home. Let’s take a look at some space-efficient balcony garden ideas perfect for senior living residents in Houston.
Space-Efficient Gardens
Gardening in your own senior living apartment becomes easy when you make the most of the space you have. A balcony garden or balcony planter is the perfect option. They’re typically simple to put together and take very little maintenance to keep looking great. And while preconstructed balcony planters are abundant, you can build your own and be as creative as you like. To help spark that creativity, try out these inspired balcony garden ideas:
Boxed planters
DIY balcony railing planters are actually not difficult to make. With just a few 2x4s, some screws, and topsoil, you can build your own boxed planter. You can either arrange it around your furniture on the balcony floor or attach hooks to the back and secure it to your balcony railing.
Ladder planters
Use an old step stool or go thrift shopping for a rustic looking ladder to rest your lush potted plants on.
Gutter planters
That’s right, gutter planters. If you’re having gutters replaced, cut a section from your old gutters or head to the hardware store. Attach a hook or lip on the back to fit your balcony railing. Then, just pour in topsoil and start planting. This idea is especially good for succulents that need little soil to grow.
Trellis arrangement
This is a stellar idea for hanging potted plants and adding privacy to your balcony. Simply secure a trellis to the outside wall of your apartment or railing. Then, drill holes to fit a length of rope or wire into each side of your pot and hang the pots from the trellis. You’ll have a perfect, secluded apartment balcony garden.
Drawer planters
Want a balcony garden and a side table? Drawer planters will do the trick. First, find a rustic looking set of drawers you won’t mind getting dirty. Then glue or staple gardening fabric to the bottom of each drawer. Finally, fill in with topsoil and your favorite flowers.
What to Grow
The goal of your apartment balcony garden should be to introduce as much beauty with as little maintenance as possible. And in Houston’s climate, growing the right plants can ensure your balcony garden is lush all year around. Here are just a few native Texas flowers that are sure to make your balcony garden flourish:
- Eastern Purple Coneflower
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Texas Lantana
- Red Turk’s Cap
- Autumn Sage
- Texas Olive Blossoms
- Indian Blanket (Firewheel)
- Gulf Coast Penstemon
- Hinckley Columbine
- Calylophus
If you don’t know already, succulents are ideal for gardening lovers who don’t necessarily have a green thumb. Most succulents thrive in arid climates with a lot of sunshine and require very little watering – only a little once a week. Plus, they only need a 2- to 4-inch pot to grow, so you can fill your balcony planters to the brim. While some bloom beautiful flowers, many remain various shades of green their whole lives. Try these Texas weather-loving succulents:
- Aeoniums
- Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant)
- Senecio Mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)
- Cereus
- Echinocereus cactus
- Barbados aloe
- Sedum morganianum (Donkey Tail)
- Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)
- Haworthiopsis fasciata, Haworthia fasciata (Zebra Plant)
At The Buckingham, we’re fortunate to have plenty of balcony gardens to make our gorgeous community all the more beautiful. From DIY balcony railing planters to an apartment oasis, our residents find joy in gardening – along with a range of other hobbies. It’s just one of the many ways they find beauty at every turn. To learn more about community life at The Buckingham, contact us through our website or call us any time at 713-979-3090.