My Great Outdoors: Katie's Austin Garden Balcony

Name: Katie

Location: Austin, Texas

Type of space: Apartment balcony

Tell us about your outdoor project and how you enjoy it: Every morning I sit on the comfy wicker chair and drink my coffee while looking down on the city below. I like to eat meals out there and scatter the remaining crumbs to the birds (There's alot of little colorful sparrows around here that aren't too afraid of hanging out on the porch with people!) I grow garden herbs on my balcony to use as a fresh garnish in my cooking as well.

How did you create it? The balcony is actually very small, so I had to be creative with how I placed my plants. The trick here was to use various levels. This not only helped to save room, but it also maximized the amount of sun exposure for the plants. I installed some ledges I found at a local thrift store and used a stacked planter as well as hanging baskets.

Recommended store, site, product or resource? Craigslist! I bought alot of colorful little pots for pennies off of there.

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Comments (9)

so darn sweet and cute kitty.

Nice. I like the artwork too and the pots hanging on the door.

so sweet! I love it. I especially like the plants hanging on the swinging wooden gate.

I like this! I really like the tall plant stand. Anyone have a source for this?

I have a patio much like this....with the bottom portion of the patio in wood. I've always hesitated to put plants on the rail because I didn't want to block the sun into the living room. Looks like you've come up with some great solutions.

I especially like the wood planter holder. Thanks.

This is adorable! Love the plant stand in the corner and of course...kitty is just too cute.

This is fantastic and so inspiring! We live on the 4th floor and have about 3 sq feet of covered porch 6 steps (steps are shared with 1 neighbor). The porch faces west and does not get much light, so I'm risking my neighbor bumping into them and have put 3 potted plants going down the steps (where there is more light). I also hung a topsy turvy tomato plant, which I think is horribly ugly to look at but the good reputation of it has made me curious.

wow. i'd much rather be there than in the office right now... Nice job!

What did you use for the pot holders on the wall?