If your balcony is not very private, you might consider putting up some screening. There are many options available at your local garden or building center such as bamboo or wooden screens. They can give you much-needed privacy and complement your design ideas. Placing bamboo fencing against the existing walls can completely transform the look of the balcony, so you may want to use them to hide ugly walls."} 62:{"position":7,"content":"Sun and wind "} 63:{"position":8,"content":"Balconies can suffer from extreme conditions. Being high off the ground, they are exposed both to the heat of summer and the wind and rain of winter. Understand your growing conditions and the requirements of the plants you have chosen so that you can choose the right plant for the right place. Plants in full sun can get more than eight hours of sunlight a day. During the summer months, plants in containers dry out very frequently and should be watched carefully."} 64:{"position":9,"content":"Strong winds can knock over even heavy containers so select tough plants. For shelter from wind and neighbors, provide a windbreak such as tall plants which are securely fastened or screens."} 65:{"position":10,"content":"Access and storage

Remember that gardening off the ground means bringing all the bags of soil, containers and plants up the steps or in the elevator and then carrying all the garden refuse down. Be sure the trees and shrubs you buy will fit into the elevator or can be carried up the steps. In your design, include a small cupboard or shed so that you will have somewhere to store tools, bags of soil, extra containers, fertilizers, cushions and

anything that cannot be left outdoors."} 66:{"position

In Design: The hanging garden

Small or spacious, you can create your very own garden, whatever the size of your balcony.