Winter is now behind us and it's time to look ahead and look forward to the longer, brighter summer days. Now is the time to bring that green, colourful touch to our gardens, whatever the size. If you don't have a garden, get creative, it's very quick, easy and incredibly worthwhile creating a beautiful display in places you didn't think you could.
All you need is flowers
We've written beforeon the immeasurable benefits that plants and flowers can have both on your health but also your mind, we hope to make it as easy as possible for everyone to take full advantage of whatever space they have available and create a most pleasant environment. Before you don your gardening clothes, take into consideration a few small factors: space, budget, location, conditions and time.
Space
If you do only have a very small space, take into account perspective and the use of vertical space to add beautiful plants, such as wall climbing plants like ivy, or tall growing, exotic displays of bamboo. Dependent on your budget, consider investing in a trellis, for very little cost you can achieve fantastic results while also providing a base on which to hang flower baskets.
Budget
Once again, remember a large budget is not necessary for maximum effect, be inspired, be creative and have fun for best results. You can create flower planters, custom made window boxes from old wooden containers or leftover timber.
Location
The exposure of your small garden, balcony or flower containers is among the most important factors. How windy is it? How warm is it? Is there enough sun and shade? Balconies particularly can confuse matters with the 'microclimate' they can create. All year round, balconies can be warmer than directly on the ground, and due to being sheltered to a degree can maintain a temperature 1 or 2 degrees above the ground's temperature. In Summer, due to the increased exposure, plants can burn easier than they might in the natural environment.
Conditions
Similar to the location of the planter, the conditions around it will have a huge impact on the welfare of the beautiful flowers and plants you choose to display. If you choose a gorgeous hydrangea, take care to provide ample protection from the sun. Window boxes with bulbs such as tulips and daffodils may bloom earlier than expected because they benefit from the warmer soil. In windier areas, tall pots that aren't secured well may not last as long as you would hope so take care to secure arrangements well and take into account exposure to elements. This can also be achieved by using taller, more resistant plants that can act as a windbreaker to the more fragile stems. Our network of local florists are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about the best selection of plants and flowers for any space, and as a great place to source exotic, unusual plants for an even more stunning display.
Water
Possibly the most essential factor to consider when maintaining a delightful garden of any size, water must be provided to ensure the longest life and fullest enjoyment from the plants and flowers you choose. Some plants require more attention while others are hardy plants that can look after themselves, such as echeverian aloe, crassula and cacti. One time saver to try is using clay balls that retain water and steadily provide water to the surrounding soil.
Our top 10 favourite balcony plants:
- Sempervivum
- Buxus
- Lavender
- Fern
- Pelargonium
- Chlorophytum
- Fuchsia
- Japanese Anemones (perfect for attracting butterflies)
- Ivy
- Mini Rose Tree
Be creative and imagine your own Eden, a relaxing place surrounded by nature. For inspiration on beautiful flower arrangements or to send flowers online, take a look at our seasonal flower collection!
