Gorgeous balconies, well-landscaped backyard: the ‘green’ love is growing stronger roots

While these trends look exclusive to larger spaces and professional landscapers, there are a lot of ways that you can incorporate them into your own green space, especially an open or semi-closed balcony. Let’s admit it, many of us are city rats and apartment dwellers. But, urban landscaping is for everyone. Depending on budget and interest, all of us can have a little bit of a green haven in our lives. An obvious way to start is with plants suited to the climate, that are easy to care for. Wild riotous bunches of deep-colored Bougainvilleas, stately Frangipani, swoonworthy Hibiscus, and pretty Takoma are some examples. Pair them with hardy succulents, cacti, and grasses to create variety. Appointing a comfortable seating area with outdoor furniture is another essential part of landscaping. Designing a seating space transforms any outdoor area from a pretty spot to a true haven to sit and relax. Utilize the vertical space to add visual interest by hanging pots and baskets dripping with plants to add height and drama to your little garden.

Stringing some outdoor lights adds whimsy and spark and instantly elevates the space. Adding a focal point like a decor piece or a fancy plant can give an interesting direction to your landscaping. Placing artificial grass is a quick, easy, in-trend way to increase the space’s appeal without the hassle of growing actual grass. A bug hotel or bird feeder will bring some pretty friends to your garden. Installing a small sound element like a water feature is also a great way to bring tranquility to your landscaped haven.

These are just some of the ways to make a striking difference, with minimal effort, to your outdoor living space. It’s always better to try and start with a few plants and build up your garden from there. Use your imagination and creativity to create a verdant escape, both for body and mind. A little goes a long way with outdoor landscaping.