Balcony floriculture. Decoration of the winter garden in the apartment - a green garden on the balcony all year round

Indoor plants have always been and remain the main natural decoration of any interior. They decorate window sills, shelves, vertical stands and even walls.

But the winter garden, tastefully decorated in the apartment, is distinguished by a special chic. Such a corner with a blooming oasis will cleanse the room of city dust, saturate it with useful phytoncides and provide harmony and comfort to your home.

Unfortunately, in modern conditions the urban environment is not always able to provide green people from subtropical and tropical zones with decent conditions necessary for their normal growth.

It became possible to create an appropriate climate regime thanks to scientific and technological progress (humidifiers, air conditioners, tropical showcases, etc.). Now, it is possible to cultivate even the most fastidious of plants in an apartment, balcony, loggia and veranda without much difficulty.

Winter garden design in an apartment - how to grow a beautiful garden in a limited space

Registration winter garden aims to create a favorable environment for both plants and owners. The value of the apartment green garden can be described as follows:

• creating a cozy and healthy atmosphere;
• harmonization of space;
• lush phytodesign;
• rich assortment exotic plants;
• colorful, fragrant and blooming garden.

Not everyone decides to equip their apartment with an environmentally friendly and beautiful area rest, because sometimes there is not always enough space for the owners themselves. Think well, maybe after a slight rearrangement you will have a corner or a niche in which, after small architectural delights, you can equip the same required area under the garden?

Plants for the winter garden - the right selection and design options

Regardless of what area is allocated for a winter garden, it should be a well-composed composition, and not a cluster of flower pots. It makes more sense to collect a collection of plants from one climate zone. Since it is problematic to create a microclimate for different requirements at the same time, for example, tropical plants, moisture lovers and cacti living in dry conditions.

• vertical wall garden

It will be very original and rational if weaving plants grow on the walls, for example, some kind of creepers (syngonium, ivy). From where to place the pots, you can determine the direction of growth, in fact, there are two ways - to rise up or fall down from top to bottom.

• The background

Since this place is closer to the windows, it is better to allocate it for light-loving plants (for example, Dieffenbachia, Coleus, Cordyline).

• Second row from the window

The best place for flowering large plants, such as begonia, fuchsia, azalea or bulbous (gemanthus, amaryllis).

• First line or third row from windows

A place for bright representatives with original leaves, for example, stonecrops, echeveria, kalanchoe, haworthia.

• central part

There should be "stars", something large and attractive, for example, a monstera or some kind of palm trees. Of course, the size is not the most important factor, the main thing is that they are beautiful plants and you like them.

Winter garden on the balcony and loggia

In the absence of free space and a room with large windows, the best option for the device of the winter garden becomes a balcony or loggia. But not all of them are initially suitable for introduction of ornamental plants for permanent residence. To bring this idea to life, first of all, it is necessary to prepare the place with high quality.

1. Glazing of the winter garden

It would not be superfluous to repeat how important light is for living organisms, thanks to which flowers breathe, develop and multiply. Without a specific dose of sunlight, even the most unpretentious of green individuals can die.

The presence of a maximum glazing area (the ideal option is double-glazed windows that reliably resist freezing windows and cooling the balcony space) significantly improves the quality of living of light-loving plants from the winter garden.

2. Winter garden lighting

It is important to know what level of lighting is needed for different species. Some for a long time flowering plants you simply cannot survive without direct sunlight, while others, on the contrary, prefer diffused light or a shaded corner to the bright sun.

The selection of plants for the winter garden is not an easy task that requires special knowledge. In order to create ideal conditions for all plants in such a limited area as a balcony, you need to try and study the tastes of green inhabitants as much as possible in order to bring flowers only benefit, and not harm. It is necessary to take into account the protection from the sun, which, by ensuring a uniform distribution of the flow of light on the balcony, will prevent the blinding effect.

The ideal place for a winter garden is a balcony or a room with windows to the west or east. The south side is characterized by excess sun, and the north side, on the contrary, is characterized by a lack.

3. Winter garden insulation

A strict condition for creating a flower garden on a balcony (loggia), without which it is not possible to arrange a winter garden -. To protect plants from cold air, scrupulous sealing of all seams and joints is required. Any gap in this case can nullify all efforts aimed at creating ideal conditions for plant growth.

When insulating a winter garden, it is important that all materials are dry and non-hygroscopic (do not retain moisture). Incorrectly selected components for interior decoration can lead to darkening and subsequent decay of balcony structures in conditions high humidity.

4. Temperature regime

Favorable air temperature for most plants - 18-24 °C Heat plays a decisive role in the normal growth and development of ornamental plants. Heat-saving double-glazed windows cope well with this task, which let in thermal radiation from the sun, but do not bring it out.

In winter, when the sun can hide behind thick clouds for weeks, the winter garden will have to be additionally heated with heating radiators or special fluorescent lamps, which not only illuminate the space in a direction, but also heat it. The ideal solution is a warm floor on the balcony, it will not let the plant freeze even on the most frosty day.

5. Humidity in the winter garden

humid air for indoor plants just as important as regular leaf washing and spraying. The optimum humidity for many species is 80%. Manually humidifying the air, especially during the heating season, is quite problematic. Ultrasonic or conventional humidifiers equipped with an automatic humidity controller will help to cope with this task.

As alternative way low pallets with fine gravel can serve. It is enough to fill them with water and place flower pots there so that the liquid, evaporating, creates an atmosphere of humidity around them.

You can recreate a relaxing atmosphere in the winter garden (and at the same time solve the problem with humidity forever) with the help of a mini-waterfall, which has a powerful beneficial effect on the human psyche. By the water, surrounded by lush greenery, you always feel much calmer and more peaceful.

6. Ventilation and air exchange

Overheating of the balcony, as well as dampness, can destroy tender plants. In this case, it is necessary to provide combined protection from the sun and excess moisture. Experts recommend fighting the "greenhouse effect" through ventilation.

Ventilation openings must be positioned so that fresh air enters from below, and, rising with warm air, exits from above. If the winter garden is located on a balcony on the south side, it makes sense to install an air conditioner.

Where to start building a winter garden in an apartment and on a balcony

When a decision is made to arrange a winter garden in an apartment or on a balcony, many people immediately rush to look for a photo gallery on the net to look for plants for a future flower garden. This is where you should ask yourself the question - do you have enough free time to care for capricious creatures. If so, then demanding plants will not become an obstacle to a beautiful garden.

But if doubts prevail, but you don’t want to completely abandon the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bcreating a flowering garden in an apartment or on a balcony. Then the best solution for you may be some absolutely picky types of shrubs and flowers, which, in addition to blooming every season, also benefit:

• the air is purified and ionized;
• fill it with life-giving oxygen;
• absorb street noise;
• reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation;
• have a calming effect;
• remove negative energy;
• reliably resist the growth of fungi and mold.

A wonderful apartment garden on the balcony is what fans of home floriculture need in conditions of limited living space.

Winter garden in the apartment - photo design examples

Very often, the owners of apartments with a balcony and a loggia do not know how to rationally use these spaces. Someone turns the premises into a warehouse of old and unnecessary things, while someone completely forgets about their existence. But there are also those who turn their balcony into something more, into favorite place for the whole family, where you can perfectly relax, relax, enjoy the silence, drink a cup of tea or just breathe fresh air. There are many ways to make a balcony not only functional, but also beautiful. So, for example, it can be glazed and insulated, turned into a separate room, albeit a small one. In the same way, you can connect the balcony with the room adjacent to it, thereby expanding the space of the apartment, making it larger.

Arrange a small flower greenhouse under the power of every hostess. How pleasant it will be to sit on a hot summer evening with a cup of tea or a good book, surrounded by a fragrant floral aroma.

But not less interesting option is the transformation of the territory into a garden. How to make a balcony garden What is needed for this and what should be taken into account?

• Insulation and glazing
• Subtle nuances
• Important Tips
• Soil preparation and calendar

So you've decided to turn your balcony into small garden where you can grow a wide variety of plants and flowers. The first thing you need to decide is whether your balcony will be open or glazed.

If the space of your apartment allows you not to insulate the balcony, you can safely leave the area open and grow various plants on it. But here it is worth considering that not all plants are resistant to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, high humidity, etc. For open balcony it is necessary to select exactly those plants that are not picky about external factors.

If you decide to create a winter garden, the territory must not only be glazed, but also insulated. Such a garden will allow you to plant any flowers and plants. For people who do not have a cottage, this option is just perfect. you have the opportunity to realize all your desires. So, having decided to create a winter garden, the first thing to do is to insulate and glaze the room. What is needed for this?

Insulation and glazing

The space formed between the drywall sheet and the wall is sealed with mounting foam.

In order for your flowers and plants to feel comfortable, you need to create the most Better conditions. So, the insulation of the balcony should include the installation of double-glazed windows, and everything must be done very carefully and efficiently. All existing gaps must be sealed. mounting foam, silicone adhesive or other sealant.

After the territory is glazed, you can proceed to the insulation of the walls. For this procedure, you can use a variety of materials. The most optimal option is to insulate the walls with drywall. For the best result, it can be combined with glass wool and foam blocks. After the walls of the balcony are insulated, it is worth moving on to interior decoration premises. For these works, you can choose a variety of materials. So, wood-like panels are perfect for the garden. They can decorate the walls of the room. In addition to this material, you can use natural wood. It is worth remembering here that the boards from natural wood need to demand special care. Yes, they need to be processed periodically. by special means, to avoid rotting, fungus formation, etc.

Floor insulation on the balcony along the logs under the linoleum.

The floors can be anything: wooden, you can lay a laminate, finish them with tiles and much more. Natural stone floors are perfect for the garden. It is worth noting that this is a rather expensive material, but in terms of its properties it is not inferior to any other. A natural stone not only durable, but it is also not subject to external influences. Such floors will look harmonious on the balcony, especially in combination with various plants.

Subtle nuances

Creating a do-it-yourself winter garden on the balcony, it is worth considering some factors. The balcony should take into account all the nuances and requirements of plants.

First, your balcony should be equipped with artificial lighting to the maximum. Some plants require more light, so the lighting solution must be well thought out.

You can spend leisure time on the loggia not only during the day. Ideal for illuminating a relaxation area wall sconces. Recently, it has been fashionable to hide the light source on the balcony, disguising it as an element of decoration.

An air conditioning system should also be provided. It is very important that the same temperature is maintained in the room all the time. The air should not be too cold, but not too hot either. Therefore, maintaining a constant microclimate is very important. important criterion in creating a garden.

When choosing plants, it is imperative to take into account the permissible load on a given territory. Indeed, unlike the loggia, which is part of the apartment and is surrounded by three load-bearing walls, the balcony is an extension to the house. The load on the territory should not be too large. Permissible load can be obtained from the designers.

Before thinking about where the desired plants will be located, consider whether there will be any furniture on the balcony.

Very often, apartment owners turn a balcony into just a place for flowers. But you can do much more interesting and functional. So, for example, a wicker chair and a small table where you can sit and drink a cup of coffee will not interfere at all. The balcony will become for you not only a garden, but also a place where you can relax and read your favorite book.

It is very important to choose for furniture appropriate place, and only then think about where the plants will be located.

If you have decided to create a place to relax in the winter garden, then you should first decide on the furniture and its location. So, if an armchair will be located on your balcony, it is very important to first choose a suitable place for it, and only then think about where the plants will be located.

Plants should be placed so that they can be easily approached and clearly visible. Tall plants should be in the background, and undersized, on the contrary, in front. You can install flower pots not only on the floor. It will be very reasonable to use the walls. After all, the main rule of small rooms is to make the most of the territory. Various flower fences for several pots, flower structures attached to the wall - all this will be an excellent solution that will not only save space, but also give it a more aesthetic look.

By the way, flower pots can be attached to the ceiling. In garden stores, you can buy special pots-balls, where you can plant plants hanging down.

When creating a garden with your own hands, it is worth remembering that it is not necessary to arrange flowers and plants symmetrically here. The main thing is that everything harmoniously combines with each other, does not stand out from general view.

Soil preparation and calendar

For your garden to be all year round green and bloomed, in one large pot place the flowers with different terms flowering.

Creating a garden on a balcony means year-round flowering plants. And if some plants have faded, then they must be replaced by others, and so on throughout the year. Otherwise, it may be that the pots will be empty for some time. This is not only ugly, but also not rational. Decide this problem very simple. To do this, you just need to place flowers with different flowering periods in one large pot (such information is usually indicated on the package).

Highly great importance has soil in which flowers grow. The soil should be light and nutritious. It is best to make a mixture for future plants with your own hands. To prepare the soil, you need to take equal parts of leafy soil, soddy soil, peat, a little sand and humus.

Hello dear friends!

Well-chosen balcony boxes with flowers enliven and decorate the facades of buildings. Can be grown flowering plants in containers made from different materials, vary the shape and size. To create a bright island of greenery that does not get lost against the background of the building, but harmonizes with the colors of the facade, it is important to choose and correctly place flowers on the balcony. Let's talk about today balcony floriculture and its main features.

The size of containers for balcony floriculture (boxes, containers, pots) is determined by the size and shape of the plants that are planned to be planted in them. Typically, wooden or plastic boxes and containers are used, which are hung from the inside or outside balcony railings. It is better if the supporting supports for flower boxes are strong, for example, iron with reliable fasteners. It is desirable to provide for such supports in the design at the stage of building construction. For tall buildings, there is an unwritten rule: hang containers only inside balconies, which is related to safety issues. This method also helps to protect flowers from gusts of wind, showers.

Preparation of boxes for planting consists in forming a layer of debris on the bottom flower pots or expanded clay. Drainage covers the holes that are necessary for the release of excess water and breathing of the roots. Then comes thin layer washed sand, better than river sand. From above, the two lower layers fall asleep soil mixture not reaching 2 cm to the edge of the container. Such a precaution is needed to prevent the soil from being washed away by precipitation or during irrigation.

Potted flowers and plants are grown in balcony boxes and containers. open ground. It adapts well to growing conditions hybrid or garden. Photophilous and drought-resistant appearance suitable for solid and variegated plantings. Ivy (Peltatum) is popular in balcony floriculture, forming bright cascades of flowers in summer. Pelargonium withstands the hot sun, and in a semi-shaded position does not suffer from its lack. Marigolds are grown in boxes; this is an undemanding, photophilous and drought-resistant species that is not demanding on the amount of substrate.

Limited volume of soil in boxes, increased evaporation in summer, washout nutrients when watering - the most actual problems chasing balcony floriculture. Plants after planting in boxes and containers must be watered regularly, it is better to mulch the soil so that it does not dry out on the surface. Excessive watering is also harmful, it leads to waterlogging, a decrease in gas exchange and soil temperature, and a slowdown in microbiological processes. Nutrient stores are depleted and need to be replenished regularly to meet different needs certain types plants. Mineral, organic, complex fertilizers with macronutrients for garden, balcony and indoor flowers, which are available in specialized trade pavilions. Detailed Instructions according to their application are usually attached to packages with nutrient liquids, powders and other forms. Top dressing is applied with watering once a week or every ten days. With the help of a non-sharp wooden peg, loosening is carried out, at the same time dry leaves are removed and inflorescences that have lost their decorative effect are cut off, preventing the formation of seeds, which weakens the plants.

In balcony floriculture are used various options: boxes, containers and pots are placed on the floor, fixed on the balcony fence, wall. Metal, bamboo and wooden devices for placing pots and containers with flowers, hooks on which flower pots are hung help to revive the facade. Annuals, biennials and perennials are planted in boxes. For climbing plants you need to find ways to support the stems, given the rapid growth of most of them. A rich palette of colors of flowers and leaves, decorative fruits, endurance, and unpretentiousness are the main criteria for choosing forms and types of plants for balcony floriculture.

plastic or wooden boxes with beautiful plants decorate the balcony. Such containers harmonize well with wicker chairs, a folding table and a small umbrella on the balcony. The desired coolness, shade, the fragrance of flowers and a riot of colors create an atmosphere conducive to serene relaxation.

See you soon, dear friends!

September 27, 2016
You can talk about design canons for a long time, but every day the existing canons become less and less stable. Aesthetics and harmony, balance, colors, materials, brought together in order to get such a long-awaited result are the essence of your knowledge, practice and self-development. My motto is to learn, see, touch something new every day, and I am sure that this is the only way to keep the right course in “high design”.

Balcony floriculture can be called an art that not only pleases the eye and nose, but also warms the soul. Today I will tell you about what flowers to plant on the balcony. Flowers on the balcony are classified according to duration life cycle and love for the sun.

Is your way short, flower?

Annuals

Already from the name it becomes clear that their whole life fits in one season. By the way, some species in the conditions of a glazed balcony turn into perennial plants, in order to achieve this, faded heads are removed from the plant, preventing the formation of seeds.

The world of annuals is diverse and beautiful. Most medium-sized balcony varieties are brightly colored and have a pleasant aroma. What are petunias worth, among which there are both spray and ampelous flowers for the balcony.

I recommend choosing marigolds and vervain in her company. The former will decorate the tub with golden tones and fill the balcony with a tart aroma, the latter are completely unpretentious, do not require scrupulous care and will surprise you with a variety of palettes.

It is better to grow one-year-olds with seedlings, this will guarantee that the flower festival on the balcony will come as quickly as possible.

Another flower that can successfully grow on the balcony is fragrant tobacco. When planting it, keep in mind that the plant is tall enough and should become the center of the composition. In company with him, choose chamomile or salvia.

To grow fragrant tobacco, a tub of small seeds is covered with glass, creating a kind of greenhouse.

Have fragrant tobacco another advantage - it can be turned into a perennial plant by placing a tub in a room in winter time. At proper care a green pet will delight with its color for up to 10 years.

biennials

In a balcony, biennials that bloom all summer are grown as annuals. They are not particularly popular in balcony floriculture, because in the first year they form a rosette and can only please with greenery.

If you cannot deny yourself the pleasure of watching your favorite biennial in a flower ensemble, sow seeds for seedlings in the fall / winter, keep the plant in the room until the onset of heat. In this case, it will please you with color in the first year.

Among biennials, bluebells, daisies, schizanthus and viola are worthy of attention.

perennials

Perennial plants are infrequent balcony guests due to the difficulties that arise with the preservation of the root system in winter. If you still want to plant a perennial, choose among lignified vines, these can be clematis, climbing roses or girlish grapes.

Sun, shade, partial shade, what do your flowers like?

The choice of this or that plant depends on the location of the balcony and the amount of daylight that falls on it.

Orientation - North

Shaded balcony - headache florist. Often, planted plants stretch out, bloom extremely weakly, or completely “forget” about it. And all why? Because the type and variety is incorrectly selected!

Name	Instructions and recommendations for growing
Fuchsia	For the formation large bush and flowering will be enough of the amount of light that penetrates the northern balcony. Fuchsia does not like high temperatures and direct sunlight, optimal temperature regime within the range from +20 °С to +25 °С. A prerequisite for successful cultivation is regular and plentiful watering. If you allow the earthen coma to dry out, the plant will die.
Mimulyus (lubastic)	In order for the mimulus to begin to bloom, damp soil and shade are needed. The first flowers appear 6-8 weeks after sowing.
Calceolaria	Enough rare plant, so you have every chance to become a pioneer new fashion among the balcony flower growers. Please note that the flower loves moist soil, but reacts poorly to water on the stem and leaves. Advice experienced florist! You can reduce the harmful effect of dry, hot air by placing a pot of calceolaria in a tray with small wet pebbles.
Torenia	Outwardly, the fraying flowers resemble bells. When choosing a place, be guided by the fact that the plant loves diffused bright light. The optimal location is the balcony boxes on the north balcony.
Begonia (tuberous and ever flowering)	In addition to shady placement, begonias need acidic soil, intensive irrigation and fertilization.

A semi-shaded balcony is suitable for balsam, viola, ivy, mignonette, nasturtium, cyclomen. For northern balcony petunias of the minitunia, fortunia, surfinia species are also suitable.

south balcony

For the southern balcony, it is preferable to plant annual flowers: calendula, snapdragon, ageratum, aster, purslane, salvia, verbena, zinnia, nemesia, celosia, small-flowered chrysanthemums, mignonette, Drummond phlox, lobelia, cochia, nasturtium, levkoy, godetia, undersized fragrant tobacco, dwarf dahlias.

If you choose biennial plants, South side will be to the liking of pansies and daisies.

On the balconies, the design of which allows you to stretch the supports, you can plant climbing flowers: morning glory, kobe, sweet pea, thunbergia and ornamental beans.

For true flower growers, the problems of preserving the root system perennials in winter period does not exist. Do you consider yourself a flower connoisseur? Feel free to choose indoor begonias, coleus and pelargonium.

If you plan to create balcony compositions from ampel-type flowers, take care of solid construction fastening and good drainage, which will facilitate the weight of the pot.

Another point that requires your attention is the wind. If you live above the 6th floor, I do not recommend planting large plants, limit yourself to begonia, marigolds and ageratum.

West East

I combined these two points into one, since in both cases the lighting will be moderate, and direct sunlight will appear in the morning or afternoon. Such balconies practically do not limit your choice of flowers, well, if the only exception is plants that love the sun very much.

• sweet peas;
• petunias;
• verbena;
• astram;
• calendula;
• dahlias;
• marigolds;
• heather;
• pelargoniums;
• daisies.

It can be quite successful to grow and shade-loving plants that need to be protected from direct sunlight. Do you like nails pansies, lobelia, alyssum and marigolds? Yes? Then feel free to stock up on pots and go for the seeds.

A selection of plants depending on the orientation of the balcony
Southeast and southwest side
	antirrinum; ageratum; viola; verbena; carnation; calendula; heliotrope; lobelia; left hand; nasturtium; daisy; petunia; pelargonium; phlox annual; salvia; zinnia.
potted	aloe; agave; dracaena; oleander; laurel cherry; tradescantia; netcreasia; cissus.
Northeast and northwest side
Greenhouse plants and annuals	antirrinum; ageratum; begonia ever flowering; viola; verbena; left hand; calendula; nasturtium; lobelia; petunia; daisy; tagetes; pelargonium; zinnia; tobacco.
potted	laurel cherry; dracaena; tradescantia; netcreasia.

There is at all undemanding plants, which successfully grow on any balconies and loggias. Among shrubs and conifers: evergreen cypress, Japanese cryptomeria, western thuja, pea-bearing cypress, junipers and eastern biota; among deciduous shrubs and evergreen deciduous: evergreen boxwood, cotoneaster, roses (hybrid tea, polyanthus, floribunda).

Let it be fragrant

Separately, it is worth considering beautiful fragrant plants:

Daytime balcony flowers

• Hyacinth. It is fair to say that hyacinths are among the brightest bulbous spring plants. Have a huge varietal diversity and intense aroma.

Not sure which hyacinths to plant? I have prepared for you a table of varieties of hyacinths depending on the color:

• Sweet pea. Fragrant flowers will ideal solution for vertical gardening of a balcony. To form a “wall”, you will need to install supports and stretch the trellises, for which the peas will grab the antennae. Flowering time: late May - early September. Dense medium-sized flowers can have a white, pink, red and purple tone.

The optimal place for growth is a sunny, but draft-protected part of the balcony.

Peas require systematic feeding and not universal, but with great content potassium.

• Lavender. The aroma of lavender and purple flowers will give the balcony the charm of Provence. The best place location - south or east side. Flowering time: from early June to late August.

Dry lavender flowers tied in bunches are a great decoration for your home and reliable protection from the moth.

• Nasturtium. The plant has two forms: small container hybrids or climbing wattle fences braiding balcony railings.

Orange and yellow flowers have a honey delicate aroma and the same taste (yes, I tasted nasturtium).

Interesting fact! Nasturtium can be used as a main ingredient in salads. In addition to edible flowers, radishes, cucumbers or walnuts are more often taken.

Flowering time: from early June to October. The plant has another amazing advantage - it attracts butterflies to itself with a magnet.

Night balcony flowers

Summer floral scent can hover on the balcony and at night. If you like this idea, plant decorative tobacco, mattiola and levkoy.

• decorative tobacco. The aroma of decorative tobacco will hover on the loggia until October. The plant is quite capricious, requires a good place, regular watering and fertile soil.

• Mattiola. Looks very unsightly and can not brag decorative effect, but her fragrance ... He was even mentioned in lyrical verses:

And in the evenings Mattiola

We were intoxicated like wine

And stanzas with the ease of Eol

It was destined to spin...

purple and pink flowers bloom in the evenings and smell all night. Another advantage of growing a plant is the ability to sow directly into the ground.

• Levkoy. The closest relative of matthiola, however, unlike the unsightly night violet, has charming flowers. various shapes and hue.

To obtain a fragrant flower bed at the beginning of summer, seeds for seedlings are sown in March.

To grow healthy seedlings, be sure to fertilize and water the bushes with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Before planting a levka, approach the choice of variety with all responsibility. I recommend paying attention to low specimens (up to 40 cm) with terry large flowers 4-6 cm in diameter.

They don't care about frost

Even in winter the balcony can be beautiful. Yes, it is unlikely that you will be able to grow flower arrangements, but bright greenery will certainly please the eye.

• Citrus fruits tolerate temperatures not lower than +7 °C.
• Cacti are adapted plants, they cope well with drought and temperatures from +5 ° С.
• Pelargonium, laurel, hydrangea, fuchsia, boxwood and chrysanthemums feel great even at a temperature of +5 ° C.
• You can decorate the balcony with camellias, for which +5 ° C is the ideal temperature.
• Araucaria, cryptomeria, cypress, thuja - + 6-10 ° С.

Erica and heather

Heather is an unpretentious low shrub; with the onset of frost, it freezes, but does not change appearance. Suitable varieties for balcony planting are Caluna vulgaris and Erica carnea.

From early August to November, the bush is strewn with small flowers that resemble bells. The shrub loves acidic soil, often grown in separate pots.

Heather's closest relative is Erica. Unlike its relative, it blooms from early January to April. When to plant Erica? If you want to bloom from September to November, plant in the spring. The best variety for a balcony garden is Erika gracilis.

Juniper

Juniper does not care, it winters well in tubs and containers. It is unpretentious in the composition of the soil, but I still recommend not creating Spartan conditions for the plant and choosing a mixture of peat and sand.

From juniper, you can form a bonsai or bonsai. To enhance the oriental flavor, the plant is planted in stones.

Euonymus

I would be careful with growing it in a balcony, because a wonderful bush can reach a height of 2 m. In winter, the leaves of the euonymus take on a purple-red color, with warming the plant returns to its normal color.

In summer, the temperature on the balcony should vary from + 18 ° С to +20 ° С, in winter - not lower than +6 ° С. It can endure a more serious drop in temperature, in this case, the protection of flowers from spring cold snaps consists in strengthening the roots: it is necessary to place a foam plastic or a wooden board under the pot, and wrap the container itself with batting.

boxwood

Boxwood can reach gigantic sizes, but in skillful hands it easily turns into a bonsai or green sculpture. It will endure balcony wintering if the temperature does not drop below +10 ° С.

A winter garden can be organized from dwarf coniferous plants, for example, araucaria, cypress, yew, arborvitae.

Don't buzz in my ear

There are plants that not only delight the eye with their color, the nose with aroma, but also protect against insects, in particular from mosquitoes. Who are they, these saviors from the bloodsuckers?

Lavender

Rosemary, basil, and lavender are excellent mosquito repellents, but only the latter has beautiful and fragrant flowers. In addition, it is uplifting and calming.

Calendula

Calendula or marigold is an unpretentious plant, blooms until frost and pleases with red-yellow flowers.

Ageratum

It acts on insects not by smell, but by a hormone that prevents reproduction. The plant belongs to the class of annual semi-shrub herbs. Blue and white flowers will delight you from the beginning of June until the first cold weather.

What into what?

Having dealt with the question of what to plant from flowers on the balcony, you can proceed to the choice of capacity. At your disposal are tubs, boxes, ceramic vases, hanging pots, coconut and wicker baskets.

Wooden boxes are considered the most environmentally friendly. Optimal size capacity:

• width - from 15 cm;
• depth - from 20 cm;
• length - from 1 m.

At the bottom, without fail, holes should be located every 15-20 cm.

Wood is a material that rots. In order to extend the life of such a pot, impregnate the surface from the inside with a plant-safe anti-rot solution, outside cover with paint.

If you choose a plastic container, look for containers with a double bottom. The lower part of this design is designed to collect water, in the upper part there is an earthen clod. The advantage of such a system is that the soil does not dry out, and the balcony floor remains clean and dry.

In addition to the correct size of the container, its stability is important. This axiom applies both to standing pots and to those fixed to the railing with special brackets.

For offsuit flower arrangement Suitable for general purpose primer. For its preparation, you will need turf land, peat and humus in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. Before backfilling, do not forget to lay drainage from crushed stone, brick fragments, pebbles or ceramics.

After planting, leave the "kids" for 5-7 days away from direct sunlight and do not forget to spray regularly.

About balcony novelties

And since today the conversation has turned to growing flowers on the balcony, let me tell you about unusual LED ones. The design is based on RGB LED technology, which allows the pots to change shade (there are 16 colors in total).

The container has excellent protection against moisture, it is sold with a built-in battery, power supply and control panel. Inside is an electric charge indicator, which includes a display, RGB LED and battery.

Summing up

Flowers on the balcony are art, creativity and painstaking work. If you are ready for the test, feel free to arm yourself with tubs, pots, seeds and go turn your loggia into a flower bed. Oh yeah, don't forget to watch the video in this article.

September 27, 2016

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