Do you live in the city and have a balcony? Then you know better than anyone that every square inch counts. Especially if you have a balcony with railings, it can seem challenging to decorate it cosily without it feeling immediately cluttered. Yet, greening a small balcony is easier than you think. With a few clever choices and the right materials, you can transform that cold concrete slab into a lush, vibrant outdoor room. In this article, we'll guide you through all the steps to make the most of your small outdoor space, paying extra attention, of course, to solutions specifically designed for your type of balcony.

The power of green in a confined space

Plants do something magical with a space. They bring colour, purify the air, and provide natural coolness on warm summer days. When greening a small balcony, the trick is to think not only horizontally but especially in terms of depth and height. A small balcony doesn't have to be limited to one sad pot on a table. By cleverly using the railing and the floor, you create a layered effect that makes your balcony seem even larger than it actually is.

The beauty of a railed balcony is that you have a unique opportunity: the space between the bars. Many people see these railings as an impediment to their privacy, but we see them as an opportunity for vertical gardening. Instead of 'boarding up' your balcony with screens, you can let nature do the work.

Smart space saving: The Vercony method

The biggest mistake people make when greening a small balcony is placing large, round pots in the middle of the walkway. This leaves little room for yourself to sit outside. At Vercony, we've developed a solution that perfectly matches the specific needs of residents with a railed balcony. Our planter box stands on the ground and extends through the railings to the outside.

Why is this so clever for a small balcony? Firstly, you use the 'lost' space between and just outside the railings. This keeps the heart of your balcony free for a comfortable chair or a small table. Secondly, the box is on the ground, which ensures maximum stability. You don't have to struggle with unsafe hooks on a railing that isn't really suitable for heavy boxes. Moreover, it looks beautiful: from your chair, you look out at lush greenery, while the plants on the outside of the building create a friendly, green appearance.

Which plants should you choose for a small balcony?

Not every plant is equally suitable for a small area. You want to avoid one plant taking over your entire balcony within a month (unless that's your goal!). For successful greening of a small balcony, we recommend a mix of the following types:

• Compact bloomers: Think of dwarf varieties of lavender, violas, or small geraniums. They provide a lot of colour but remain modest in size.

• Hanging plants: These are ideal for the Vercony box. Let them grow through the bars and hang down. Petunias or Lobelia create a beautiful sea of flowers that takes up no extra space on your floor.
• Vertical growers: Ivy (Hedera) is an absolute winner. You can guide the tendrils up along the bars. This creates privacy without installing a solid screen.

• Herbs: Nothing is nicer than cooking with herbs from your own balcony. Chives, thyme, and mint grow well in pots and smell delicious too.

Stylish greening: Colour use and materials

When greening a small balcony, visual tranquility also plays a major role. If you place twenty different pots in different colours, it quickly looks cluttered. Instead, opt for a base of several identical boxes. The sleek design of our Vercony boxes provides a modern look that follows the lines of your railed balcony.

Do you still want some variation? Then combine the ground-level boxes with one or two other elements, such as:

• A vertical plant rack against the wall for your smallest herb pots.
• A few hanging pots from the ceiling of the balcony above you (provided the neighbours approve!).
• A narrow balcony table that you can hook to the railing for your coffee amidst the greenery.

Maintenance in a small space

A small balcony can get very hot in summer, especially if the concrete retains heat. Greening a small balcony therefore requires a good watering strategy. Because our boxes are on the ground, the water evaporates less quickly than in boxes hanging high in the wind. Nevertheless, it's smart to check every evening if the soil is still moist.

Another important point is drainage. You don't want puddles of water on your balcony floor that you then stand in. Our boxes are designed so that excess water can drain away through the bottom, outside the bars. Always use hydro granules at the bottom of the box; this is the golden tip for any balcony gardener. It keeps your plants healthy and prevents root rot.

Creating privacy without enclosing

Many people want to green their small balcony to gain more privacy. On a railed balcony, you sometimes feel exposed. The beauty of plants is that they break the view without completely blocking the light. By filling the Vercony boxes with taller grasses or climbing plants that you weave through the bars, you create a natural filter. You still have the feeling of freedom and airiness, but passers-by can no longer look directly at your plate when you're eating outside.

Enjoyment all year round

Greening doesn't stop in summer. Especially on a small balcony, it's nice if it doesn't look desolate in winter. Therefore, also choose some evergreen plants. Ivy has already been mentioned here, but also think of small conifers or hardy grasses. Because the Vercony boxes are made of durable material, they can withstand frost and you don't have to drag them inside in winter. This way, your balcony remains a green oasis even in the cold months when you look outside from your living room.

Conclusion

Greening a small balcony is a rewarding project. With the right focus on the railings and floor space, you can achieve a result that looks grand. Vercony's unique planters are your best friend in this; they save space, are stable, and create a natural transition between your balcony and the outside world. Whether you go for an edible herb garden, a sea of flowers, or a green wall for your privacy, with a little attention, your small balcony will become the nicest place in the house.