BALCONY PERILS

Very often when you buy or lease an apartment, you don’t own the attached balcony as it’s considered common property, with rules and regulations around what you can do with it or put on it. To be safe, check your local bylaws or appropriate apartmentcontrolling body before you plan your balcony garden.

Here are some questions to ask in advance

• Can you put up wall or ceiling fittings?

• Is there a weight issue? Big containers filled with potting mix can be heavy and may compromise the building’s structure. • Can you put pots on your balcony ledge? If they fall and injure pedestrians or damage cars you may be responsible.

Other things to consider

• Do you have a tap on your balcony or will you have to water plants from a can?

• Is there appropriate drainage for water that runs from your containers so it won’t spill onto properties below?