I think that really depends on your personal preference. One thing I would definitely recommend is to hang some planters on the outside of the railings if you can; they will use less of your precious balcony space.

I do think that to a certain extent "less is more" does apply in a small space. At first i had as many different kinds of plants as i could out there, but eventually the watering became too much for me, small pots dry out quicker. So i watered as i could and kept the plants that made it through, and migrated my balcony to a style with less types of plants, but larger ones in larger pots, relying more on plants that do well in local landscaping. Small pots i grouped together and they are almost all succulents who are happy to dry out during the week. This created a better, more unified look and less work for me. Plants (like my orchids) that need frequent watering are grouped together to minimize the effort required to grow them. Wire shelving units, hanging baskets, and window boxes mounted on the outside of the balcony enable me to pack more specimens into a smaller space.

On balconies, you always want to maximize your VERTICAL space, since the floor is so small. I learned that this year. Stack pots on top of eachother. Layer them. Attach them to walls! Get windowboxes for the railing! Anything to fit more plants on there! =) And I do think that less is more in a small space. You need to make a bold statement, not a bunch of little ones. So yes, I would go with a few large-medium pots rather than a whole bunch of small ones. And make those pots really interesting. Put a really tall plant in the centre, colourful flowers around that, and something to trail over the edge. Try to pick plants that have nice foliage AND nice flowers. See my post entitled 'My Balcony this Year (pics)' to see what I did with my east-facing balcony. It is bigger than yours, but the large grouping of plants on the left of my balcony is roughly 1 m by 1 m. And on the other side, you can see how I stacked pots of coleus. This is my second year of balcony gardening, and I really learned from my mistakes last year! I went for a unifying theme (tropical/exotic) and chose plants accordingly. A bonus to my Tropical theme is that these plants have very big, bold foliage, so that makes a good impact. And with container gardening, you can always re-arrange things until you get a composition you like. Another trick is to put a large mirror on one wall. This makes the space appear larger by reflecting light as well as the plants when you look into the mirror, so that it appears you have more plants than you actually do. And use nice pots! No ugly white plastic here. If you are concerned about the weight of clay, there are plastic pots that are very convincing fakes, and you don't have to worry about cold temps. cracking them, either. I would rather have nice glazed pots, but since I can't afford it, I just use good ole terracotta for the most part. Somday I will paint them all. =) I also chose a tropical theme because I could use my houseplants in it, which means I can just bring them into the house year after year, which saves me more money, and the plants LOVE it. Sit down and plan what you want to do next year. Write down what you did this year and what you would do differently. Otherwise, like me, you will probably forget most of it and make the same mistakes. =) Good luck, and have fun!

Hi there. I was just sharing your pix a a few coworkers and had to comment to them that I long for the days when I had 'little' plants to enjoy and nurture. WOW... I started out on a tiny balcony then discovered that each time I moved I was looking for 'more room', not realizing I needed it for my plants. So now, many years later, that I have plopped my butt down on 1/4 acre I have gone up, down, out and over with my plantings. I am now worried I don't have 'enough room' for this seasons fall transplantings..LOL... enjoy it all. But, ya know... when I read the part of your post that said 'I threw them out'... I just about freaked out and ran around my office pulling at my hair. I do hope you are finding them good homes...I loved my balcony gardening. It was always challanging but always worthwhile...Jim

hi, first time messaging on this forum. i do read the garden junk one every morning. however, my situation is changing this spring and i am moving into an apartment from a home with a huge backyard. i dont know how i am going to change. but am encouraged by your pictures. beautiful balcony gardens. i can see where i have to look for a place with a big balcony (who cares about the inside)

That's absolutely the criterion I use when looking for a place to live -- how much gardening can I do??

You got that right! I think it really helps enhance the apartment experience when you can walk outside but still be in your "own" space. Let alone fill it up with lots of plants! LOL

I would be reluctant about using mirrors outside on the wall. I think that, at certain angles of the mirror combined with the angle of windows in neighbouring houses combined with the position of the sun, your mirror could end up becoming a burning glass and set other apartments on fire. Be careful!!