Balcony blooms

A blow-by-blow on how to create tiny, lush gardens

Condos continue to be a hot commodity in the real estate market. Using every advantage available when selling can help bring the best price and make that sale happen more quickly. You can add equity by making indoor improvements, yes, but you can also create a wow factor outdoors, as long as you learn how to cope with those windy, high-rise balconies.

Winds tend to increase the higher up you go. Many balconies are open to the elements, and winds can knock over containers and snap delicate stems. Wind will also cause container soil to dry out even faster on an exposed balcony. All this combines to make gardening very frustrating.

The solution may be using larger containers that can hold more water, or trying moisture-absorbing crystals that are readily available in garden centres. Some manufacturers claim these crystals reduce the need to water by more than 50%. Using a mulch cover in your containers will also help to keep the pot from drying out too rapidly.

Consider using a s el f - watering container. The added weight of the water in the reservoir can help keep the container secure as well as keep the moisture levels more even.

Stay away from unglazed terra cotta. Plastic or cast resin containers will not dry out as fast.

Use some type of screening to keep the wind from hitting the balcony and the plants with full force. A wattle, for example, is twigs that are woven to form a fencelike barrier. These twigs — often willow or bamboo — may be woven together very tightly or have gaps between them.

Some experts think it is better to have openings in the windscreen, to break up the wind. A more solid barrier might encourage the wind to go up and over, which could just cause the wind to come down hard on the other side and down onto your plants with even more force. Having openings will also let you tie plants directly to the windscreen.

Attaching the barrier to a balcony railing is made easy with plastic zip strips. Wattles are available in many garden centres or check the internet for how to build one.

Whether you are adding equity to your condo or looking to create an urban oasis, you can tame the wind and create a garden that will add value and eye appeal.