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Small But Perfectly FormedBY SUSAN POTTHURST, ELEGANT OUTDOORS GARDEN CENTRE, TURRAMURRAWhen it comes to outdoor space, contrary to what most people think, size really isn’t an issue. There are endless ways to liven up your balcony or courtyard with clever planting and furniture. With a little thought and some good advice you can turn your concrete space into a living oasis.What space are you working with?Before you start planning, you need to know the dimensions and also the weight-bearing capacity of the space if you have a balcony. It’s important to stay below the weight limit and plan accordingly as pots, plants and furniture can be heavy. ConsiderationsThink about the elements and environment of your balcony. What direction does it face? How much sun or shade is there? Is it covered? Plants need to be in thecorrect environment, so before you invest in your new green friends, make sure you know you will have the right conditions on your balcony for them to flourish. Pots, Pots, Pots!Ensure you choose the correct size of pot or container forthe successful growth of your plants. After that you can let your imagination run wild. Styles, colours, textures, height and depth – it’s up to you but don’t be tempted to fill every inch of space which will create a cluttered look – sometimes less is more!Embrace Vertical GardeningIn a small space, walls areprime real estate! There are many different styles of vertical gardens available, but if youare unable to attach anything directly onto the walls, use tiered stands to create a beautiful wall of greenery.Hanging gardensHanging gardens are also agreat idea as they don’t take up valuable floor space. Flowers, ferns, succulents and trailingplants all lend themselves tothis style. Hanging several pots or baskets at different heights looks stunning.Herb or Vegetable GardenFill a corner of your space with herbs and other edibles – there’s nothing like home-grown produce that’s fresh and at your fingertips when cooking. Plant out one large container of your favourites or group individual pots together. Remember that some herbs, like mint, are quite vigorous and will need their own pot so they don’t invade their other leafy friends.Outdoor Furniture / Accessories Apart from weight and size, the style of outdoor furniture varies greatly and is only bound by your imagination and preferred taste. A bistro table setting works well in a small, refined spaceand a day bed or bench seating creates a more relaxed feel.We offer free, expert advice on plants and accessories to suit every area, so let us help youto create your own little pieceof paradise.www.livinglocalguide.com.au “Dream, Inspire, Grow” LIVING LOCAL SUMMER 2016/17 57