Tips to revamp your balcony – whatever its size

AS autumn starts and the gardening season winds down a little, now is the time to take charge of your balcony. Tidy up the wellies and bring them indoors, lock your bike up out the front for a change, sweep your patch of concrete clear of fallen leaves and pigeon feathers, and consider a few of these items. They might just help turn your rectangle of elevated space into a bright, usable extension of your home.

■ ORLA Kiely Watering Can in yellow, currently reduced to £29.95 from £39.95, cuckooland.com For a pop of sunshine regardless of the weather, nab this super stylish Orla Kiely watering can. With a sturdy handle and a ‘rose’ nozzle, it’ll make trekking to and fro between the kitchen tap and your window boxes slightly sweeter.

■ 10 LED Solar Bulb String Lights, £8, Homebase

As the evenings become darker, but the temperature doesn’t quite call for coats and gloves, a bit of balcony mood lighting (supplemented by the odd candle) wouldn’t go amiss. These solar bulbs will brighten up your ledge especially if you string them up overhead via trellis - and they come with rechargeable batteries in case the sunshine doesn’t fully power them up. ■ Bird House, £9.99, Homesense stores You may not want to encourage pigeons to your balcony (and fair enough, they cause a right mess), but smaller birds – particularly blue tits – make friendly additions, and they’re always on the lookout for a new nesting spot. Make sure you place bird boxes out of direct sunlight, and always try to leave a dish of water out for passing feathered creatures who might be thirsty, especially once winter kicks in properly. ■ Concrete Hanging Planter, £18, Next

Your balcony will feel uber Mediterranean with this smooth white planter dangling against the wall. Fill it with fragrant hanging plants or sturdy evergreens that’ll bring a bit of colour throughout winter – preferably ones that won’t require too much watering.