When done right, trees can grow exceptionally well in extra-large planters on a balcony,’ says Bert Stouffer, CEO, PolyStone Planters. ‘In fact, planting trees in containers has become popular for areas and homes that want to add greenery but have limited outside space. A little porch or balcony can easily be the home of your tree, just make sure that you choose a large and suitable planter for it.’ Depending on the size and location of the balcony, fixing methods may vary. Curtain clips, clothes pegs, safety pins and wire split rings are all handy and effective. Add them at evenly spaced points around the edge of the fabric panel, thread with twine or flexible rope and secure to conveniently placed features around the area or a number of discreetly installed steel hooks. How do I reduce the heat on my balcony? The pots must be large enough to be stable and unmovable so that nobody will accidentally drop them down.

They are available in various sizes to suit your preferences and requirements and are waterproof and UV resistant. A more modern aluminum design is a better choice for a sleek space – go for a fully-automated model where the roof can be tilted or open and closed completely for the ultimate in ease of use. Tree shape Lollipop standards will add formality but limited shade. Multi-stemmed trees add a natural, woodland feel. Weeping trees will create elegant, dappled shade over a large area. Flowering beauties Many ornamental trees or flowering shrubs are suited to planter boxes, particularly if they demand acidic or lime conditions.

Non-obvious solutions

Hanging balcony plants or potted plants can provide natural shade on a balcony. Vines, for example, can be trained to grow up a trellis or along a railing, providing shade and adding greenery to the space,’ says Robert Silver.

But, having said all of that, balconies can be a wonderful extension of your living space. Work with all of the challenges and they can be rewarding and beautiful places all year round. Golden rules Installation is easy and does not require skilled labour, and in just a few minutes you will have your enclosure in place. Just follow our online guides, video tutorials or rely on our customer care service. When you want to spend time and relax in the sun, no space is too small to appreciate. Even the tiniest of balconies can be an excellent place to hang out on a lazy summer morning, and the right balcony ideas and decor can help you live way beyond its petite footprint. It's all about using smart balcony decorating ideas to help you max out your space and your style. Finally, the one thing that will make a huge difference to any balcony is regular love. There is no sight so sad in the gardening world as a neglected balcony. Even if it's just 10 minutes a week, make a date to go out there, sweep around, water and generally spruce up. It will make all the difference. Balcony plantsThe fabric used is a 610g/sqm Clear PVC: an extremely strong film, but at the same time elegant and soft to the touch. Thanks to its mechanical properties, it acts as a thermal insulator, providing protection from wind, water and humidity. Random planting rarely looks good. Regular patterns of tall and short will feel and look better than a scattering of different sizes. So perhaps go for taller plants at the corners of the balcony and shorter along the front. This will give a balance and structure which will feel better.

Thanks to our clear drop blinds, you can breathe new life into your balcony, even in the winter months. Fence screens are manufactured with durable material that is usually waterproof too. This makes the barrier stronger and lasts longer, even in the harshest of suns, frequent rain, and strong winds. Bamboo screens If you have shade think about going with large-leaved jungle plants, so things like fatsia, bamboos and hostas. These will create a great atmosphere and many of them have the added benefit of being evergreen. Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk suggests primroses and foxgloves if the sun is hard to come by. Other installation methods include using heavy-gauge exterior steel wire rope across the space to hang or thread curtains on to.

Walls and fences

Another aesthetic alternative is to arrange tall plants in huge planters and place them along the patio’s edge. Tall grasses with many levels of blooming plants create a striking effect and reduce wind. Whether you're looking to create a cozy and comfortable living space outside or add a touch of modern elegance to your indoor décor, this indoor-outdoor flatweave rug is a great choice. Its versatility and durability make it an excellent investment for those who want to enjoy a beautiful and practical living space for years to come. If your balcony has railings, installation is a breeze: simply cable tie the fencing to the railings. However, it’ll be a bit more difficult with glass or walled balconies. You could use adhesive hooks or tie it up in corners instead. But wood comes with plenty of benefits, too. It suits different design styles, is easy to work with, and comes in different color options. You must balance this against the sky-high cost of real wood, though. Pros

Easy Clear is Maanta's entry level transparent drop awning, combining robustness and quality at an unbeatable price on the market. Ideal for those who are looking for a practical and safe solution to immediately insulate outdoor spaces in a functional and designer way.

All solutions from the list below will provide optimal patio wind protection. They are either DIY or buyable, so choose the one that fits you best: Balcony Boss is reader-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. For additional information, please view our policies. Height and more permanence are big advantages to wall mounted lattices, but overall flexibility makes expandable lattices very popular. Pros