Anyone who has a small balcony or a small garden can struggle to make it an attractive environment. Isabelle Palmer encountered the same problem years ago. She dreamt of transforming her two bare balconies in Hampstead, London, into fabulous green oases. In the end she created two unique balcony gardens where she can sit, read, relax and enjoy the view. She decided to share her ideas and inspiration with others as The Balcony Gardener: “Plants have been giving me joy since my childhood. My family were always busy outdoors, and so I was too. I have many happy memories of those times. I started with one pot, and later I was given my own plot in the garden. So flowers and plants have always been part of my life. They're there when I wake up and when I go to sleep.”
Like a painting...
Isabelle sees balconies and gardens as being so much more than just a collection of vegetation. “When you're working on a balcony or garden, it is like you are creating a painting. You start with a blank canvas, add things and to create a fabulous picture. Working with plants is also healthy and relaxing. It's wonderful to dig into the soil with your fingers. And I also really enjoy the idea that the small cutting that you see in spring will be a fabulous flowering plant in the summer.” Although the year has only just started, Isabelle is already working with new trends: “For me 2015 is the year of grasses and concrete containers. Grasses move beautifully in the wind. And its simplicity means that concrete allows flowers and plants to play the starring role. In terms of colours I'm going for delicate colours, such as pastel shades.” In the video Isabel tells you more about her vision for balconies and small gardens and takes you to her favourite spots in London.
“Start small, build confidence and then expand!"
Scared of starting to use plants on your balcony or in your garden? There's really no need, according to Isabelle: “There's no such thing as green fingers! Anyone can maintain a balcony or garden. Just start small; for example choose a colour that is present in your interior and allow yourself to be inspired by it. Get a couple plants and a couple of pots. Find out how to care for them, build your confidence and then expand further.”
Have you watched the video? Then tell us what you think of it. Or share your own ideas about your balcony or garden. We look forward to reading your comments below or via our Facebook page!
