In town or in an apartment, not everyone is lucky enough to own or have access to a garden. On the other hand, a terrace or a balcony, even small ones, are an opportunity to recreate a corner of greenery at home, or a simple extension of your living space to the outside. A significant breath of fresh air in an urban setting, conducive to relaxation and an intimate or original atmosphere. Here are some ideas and advice for the layout and decoration of your balcony or terrace...
If the rattan garden furniture is a classic, know that it is absolutely not outdated:the trend is to modernize styles and colors, and we now find synthetic imitation. On the wood side, it should be noted that there are, rather than teak and other exotic woods renowned for their rot-proofness, woods of European and even French production, untreated and naturally possessing this same advantage:locust (or false acacia), chestnut, larch, Douglas fir can be used as garden furniture and patio coverings (especially locust which can be in direct contact with the ground without inconvenience).
If you don't want to invest in garden furniture, it is always possible to "upcycle" and compose a relaxation area with a fresh and original look, with a marble or glass bistro table; construction reels can be used as stools or funny coffee tables, after having sanded them and coated them with a layer of stain or, why not, repainted – in white for example.
The lighting of the balcony or terrace, if you want to dine there as a couple or with friends, is essential. It is rather easy to make with candles, garlands, lamps or solar garden lights (first prices around twenty euros at Leroy Merlin).
On the privacy side, it is possible to attenuate the vis-à-vis with a plant wall (climbing plants), arbor, bamboo sticks or reeds... These will also have the advantage of protecting your breakfasts from the wind and tanning sessions!
Think about flowering your balcony above all according to its exposure:for a balcony in the sun, favor Mediterranean plants:verbena, jasmine, thyme…; conversely, there are so-called semi-shade and shade species:fuchsias, begonias, pansies, and many others. You can opt for perennials, which will bloom again every summer in a mild climate, or even southern plants (eucalyptus, agapanthus):very original and with varied and evergreen foliage, provided you live in a region with a sufficiently favorable climate.
Each botanical species is unique from the point of view of maintenance, for this it is advisable to inquire at your florist, in a gardening store, or even on specialized sites which are generally prolific in terms of gardener "tips and tricks". and other good plans like the site Binette &Jardin for example. Combining pragmatism and originality, while not overloading, is the secret of a successful mini garden.
