These 11 Lush Balcony Gardens Are So Inspiring (I’m Not Usually a Green Thumb!)

When you picture a garden, you likely imagine a wildly idyllic countryside oasis or a pristine suburban backyard where space is abundant (it could also be a greenery area right in your own home). However, you don’t need to have ample square footage to create a dreamy gardenscape — your home’s balcony will do just fine. Thanks to a little creativity and innovation, balcony gardens can hold more plant life than you may expect.

When designing the balcony garden of your dreams, there are plenty of ways to maximize verdant greenery, colorful florals, and fragrant herbs. 

Patrick Vernuccio is an author and influencer who shares expert urban gardening tips on his popular Instagram account, @thefrenchiegardener. We asked him what advice he’d give a beginner balcony gardener — here’s what he said. 

• Get to know your space: “Analyze the sun exposure, but also the direction of the wind to know which varieties to grow,” according to Vernuccio. “Your growing conditions will determine what you can grow, not the reverse.” Some plants require six hours of sun a day, while others can thrive with much less. 
• Soil is everything: It’s totally fine to save money with budget- and eco-friendly containers, such as plastic bottles or buckets. The one investment Vernuccio recommends, though? Quality soil. “Prioritize an organic soil enriched with organic compost without peat,” he suggests. 
• Only plant one plant per pot: When you have a small balcony, it can be tempting to cram as many plants as you can into one pot. But don’t! “Give room to nature and only plant one plant per pot,” he says. Not only is this more aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also better for your plants. 
• Use vertical space: Make the most of your limited space by utilizing your walls and balcony railings. “Stake up your plants vertically using strong bamboo sticks and twine so that they grow vertically and do not eat your floor space,” advises Vernuccio.

Read on to find inspiration for scheming up the mini green space you never thought your urban apartment could have. 

This one’s for the avid home cooks and cocktail enthusiasts out there. We love how Elizabeth Tulipana’s Chicago apartment features a DIY container garden filled with more than a dozen of her favorite herbs without taking up too much prime real estate. Now, happy hour just got even more festive, thanks to a fresh sprig of mint or rosemary. 

Artist Danielle Lindsey brought vibrant color and texture to the front porch balcony of her New Orleans apartment with a thoughtfully curated collection of plant life. Danielle smartly chose plants that are not only beautiful, but can also withstand the intense New Orleans heat and humidity to ensure her home’s entrance is always welcoming. 

Sometimes more is more. Need proof? Check out the sunny covered patio attached to Mila Moraga-Holz’s eclectic Los Angeles home. Complete with hanging chairs, a bold rug, and lots of mood-boosting greenery, it’s a maximalist’s dream.

This gorgeous Barcelona terrace becomes inviting at all hours with a scalloped awning that makes some shade and also allows for more types of plants to find their way onto your balcony. Now, you won’t be limited to choosing plants that thrive on full sun exposure if your balcony is totally light-drenched all day long. 

Texture can make a space feel cozier and add depth — just like in the balcony of artist Evelin Toledano’s colorful and contemporary home. Evelin’s outdoor space also inspired her to be creative. “Between seasons, we use the gallery as a kind of second home office. Evelin paints in there, and Oliver reads and writes in the afternoon sun,” they said at the time of the tour.

If you have limited space and don’t have much room for greenery, don’t fret. Pull inspiration from Jan Hoek’s balcony in their small Dutch home. They painted the wall a vibrant green and blue pattern, immediately making the space feel happy and bold.

There’s a throughline in Fitore Syla’s contemporary and colorful home: different shades of yellow. And the balcony area is no exception. The gorgeous yellow tiles make the space pop and feel lively, and it’s no wonder Fitore and her family love sitting out there. “It’s our favorite spot for summer nights and winter days, sometimes even for meditation, with a view of the sky that feels like an extension of the living area,” she shared at the time of the tour.

City dwellers who might not have immediate access to fresh greenery shouldn’t worry — faux options add just as much color (and require less maintenance). Lucy Goldberg has a wall of fake greenery on the balcony of her 290-square-foot apartment that looks super realistic but adds so much vibrancy to the space, making it her favorite area. 

A balcony is a place to unwind and relax, and one way to do that is by watching movies. Georgia Pearson turned the already-tranquil balcony in her studio apartment into a second living space. Not only can she enjoy the cozy environment, but she can also watch movies on the projector, too. 

Although Jessica Freedman and Vincenzo Di Pantaleo’s interior apartment is only 366 square feet, its balcony is big enough to hold a dining table and chairs. As two avid cooks, this is the perfect place for Jessica and Vincenzo to host guests and dine with panoramic views of Barcelona. 

A balcony extends your interior space — it defines indoor-outdoor living. So, it’s only fair that your balcony should look like the inside of your space to increase flow. The outdoor area in Elizabeth Olwen’s Lisbon apartment looks like the color-drenched interior. (Plus, the bright colors likely complement her plants.) “I have lots of plants that add so much life to the space. And they get plenty of light, as I’m on the top floor of my five-floor building,” Olwen said at the time of the tour.