Writer Michelle Ainslie wanted to create a space where she could relax after a long day at the office. She wanted something inviting and peaceful. It was with this in mind, that she turned to her balcony for an untapped space.

She had recently been on a holiday to Bali, where she fell in love with the gardens and their sweet fragrances. Her idea was to recreate the feeling evoked by her trip using flowers and grass and combining it with a space for her to do her yoga, her reading and hopefully to create a seated area next to a vegetable or herb section.

To achieve this she thought a long-term project of mosaic tiles would work, especially when combined with Indian inspired flowers in bright pinks, oranges and purples. After finding inspiration from the internet and flipping through numerous magazines, she settled on a design that she drew in her journal. She set goal of a year to slowly find the right pots, plants and finishing touches.

Creating Grass

One of Michelle’s ideas was to include turf on her balcony. There is something very natural about looking out a sliding door and seeing green. The best thing about turf is that you don’t have to mow it and it stays green all year without having to add any fertilizer. Today you can get a variety of different turfs, including ones that have the occasional yellow/ brown grass blade to give it that truly authentic look.

Mosaic Tiles

There are so many colours to choose from and the patterns are endless. By setting the tiles yourself you can add your own personal touch to the space. You can even design them on a piece of Masonite with silicone feet so that you can take them with you when you move!

Hanging Plants

Part of Michelle’s plan was to put up a divider. This not only allowed for a little shade but was also the perfect spot for some creeping plants, and even a few small hanging plants.

One issue that a lot of balcony owners have is that their plants tend to burn from the surrounding white walls. The constant glare of the sun reflecting off the walls creates an intense glass house scenario. By using a divider, you not only create a feel of height in your area, but it will dapple the sunlight, breaking it up and reducing the harsher effects.

Vegetables and Herbs

There are plenty of herbs that love growing in pots, including basil, rosemary, organum, sage and parsley. Even vegetables like tomatoes, peas, cabbage and lettuce grow well. With a few pots and a bit of planning, you could grow a salad all year round and bring authentic flavors to your dishes with fresh herbs.

Colours

With scattered pillows, annual flowers like pansies and painted pots, it won’t matter that your body corporate insists the walls need to stay white. There are plenty of ways create colour in a space, it’s just about being inspired and feeling creative.

Writer Michelle Ainslie wanted to create a space where she could relax after a long day at the office. She wanted something inviting and peaceful. It was with this in mind, that she turned to her balcony for an untapped space.

She had recently been on a holiday to Bali, where she fell in love with the gardens and their sweet fragrances. Her idea was to recreate the feeling evoked by her trip using flowers and grass and combining it with a space for her to do her yoga, her reading and hopefully to create a seated area next to a vegetable or herb section.

To achieve this she thought a long-term project of mosaic tiles would work, especially when combined with Indian inspired flowers in bright pinks, oranges and purples. After finding inspiration from the internet and flipping through numerous magazines, she settled on a design that she drew in her journal. She set goal of a year to slowly find the right pots, plants and finishing touches.

Creating Grass

One of Michelle’s ideas was to include turf on her balcony. There is something very natural about looking out a sliding door and seeing green. The best thing about turf is that you don’t have to mow it and it stays green all year without having to add any fertilizer. Today you can get a variety of different turfs, including ones that have the occasional yellow/ brown grass blade to give it that truly authentic look.

Mosaic Tiles

There are so many colours to choose from and the patterns are endless. By setting the tiles yourself you can add your own personal touch to the space. You can even design them on a piece of Masonite with silicone feet so that you can take them with you when you move!

Hanging Plants

Part of Michelle’s plan was to put up a divider. This not only allowed for a little shade but was also the perfect spot for some creeping plants, and even a few small hanging plants.

One issue that a lot of balcony owners have is that their plants tend to burn from the surrounding white walls. The constant glare of the sun reflecting off the walls creates an intense glass house scenario. By using a divider, you not only create a feel of height in your area, but it will dapple the sunlight, breaking it up and reducing the harsher effects.

Vegetables and Herbs

There are plenty of herbs that love growing in pots, including basil, rosemary, organum, sage and parsley. Even vegetables like tomatoes, peas, cabbage and lettuce grow well. With a few pots and a bit of planning, you could grow a salad all year round and bring authentic flavors to your dishes with fresh herbs.

Colours

With scattered pillows, annual flowers like pansies and painted pots, it won’t matter that your body corporate insists the walls need to stay white. There are plenty of ways create colour in a space, it’s just about being inspired and feeling creative.

Michelle Ainslie
Creative writer, journalist, blogger, poet, bibliophile and animal-lover.

W: Michelle Ainslie

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