How to Maximize Small Spaces: Balcony & Patio Gardening



Plantbox vertical planter

Plantbox vertical planter

Hello Ottawa!

The May long weekend is the unofficial start to gardening season—and the perfect excuse to turn your small outdoor space into a lush, vibrant retreat. Whether you’re working with a cozy balcony, a compact patio, or a tiny terrace, you can create an urban oasis that rivals any backyard garden.

Here’s how to make the most of every square foot this season.

1. Think Vertically

When floor space is limited, look up!

Vertical gardening is a game-changer for balconies and patios. Use:

  • Wall-mounted planters
  • Trellises for climbing plants (think clematis or sweet peas)
  • Hanging baskets overflowing with annuals or strawberries
  • Stackable planters for herbs and veggies

Pro tip: Modular vertical garden systems are a stylish way to create a living wall that doubles as a privacy screen.
Check out this vertical garden modular planter system! If you are interested, let us know, we haven't added this product to our inventory yet but we are considering it! A 3 pack section, at 3'h retails for $125.00 canadian. 

https://www.growingrevolution.com/home/product/plantbox/

2. Choose the Right Plants

Small spaces can heat up quickly during the day and cool off fast at night, especially on high or exposed balconies. Choose plants that are heat-tolerant in summer and, if you’re planning a more permanent container setup, cold-hardy enough to overwinter in pots.

Annuals & Edibles for Instant Colour and Harvest:

  • Compact vegetables like patio tomatoes, peppers, and dwarf cucumbers
  • Herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and chives
  • Drought-tolerant flowers like petunias, verbena, and calibrachoa
  • Pollinator-friendly picks like lavender and dwarf sunflowers

Shrubs & Perennials That Can Overwinter in Containers
Ottawa is considered Zone 5a - use plants that are zone 2,3 and 4 to overwinter in containers.

If you want a low-maintenance balcony garden that returns every year, these small shrubs and perennials are hardy enough to survive Ottawa winters in pots (with some care):

Hardy Small Shrubs:

  • Danica Globe cedar (Thuja occidentalis 'Danica’) – Evergreen and compact
  • Hydrangea Bobo (Hydrangea paniculata ILVOBO ‘Bobo’) – Long blooms in a tidy form
  • Dwarf Ninebark (Physocarpus ‘Little Devil’) – Great foliage and cold tolerance
  • Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa) – Long-blooming and drought-resistant
  • Japanese Spirea (Spiraea ‘Goldflame’, ‘Little Princess’) – Bright foliage and summer blooms

Hardy Perennials:

  • Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Bold foliage, great for shade
  • Hostas (hosta like Gold Standard, Halcyon, June) – Hardy best in shade and part shade location
  • Creeping Thyme – Aromatic, evergreen groundcover
  • Geranium (Cranesbill Geranium like 'Rozanne') - Long blooms best in full sun
  • Sedum (Stonecrop, like ‘Autumn Joy’) – Easy and drought-tolerant
  • Lady’s Mantle – Lovely foliage and spring flowers

Winter Pot Tip: Choose larger containers (at least 16” wide), elevate them off cold surfaces, and insulate pots with rigid insultation or bubble wrap to help roots survive freeze-thaw cycles.

3. Go Multi-Functional

In a small space, every element should earn its place.

  • Opt for benches with hidden storage (perfect for tools or soil)
  • Use tiered plant stands to layer greenery without crowding your floor
  • Add foldable furniture that tucks away when not in use

4. Play with Pots & Planters

Containers are your best friend for small space gardening:

  • Mix and match different sizes and textures for visual interest
  • Use lightweight pots (like resin or fiberglass) that are easy to move around
  • Don’t forget to add drainage holes to keep plants happy

Want to save space? Rail planters or over-the-balcony planters add greenery without sacrificing square footage.

5. Add Atmosphere with Accessories

Transform your balcony into a cozy outdoor living room with:

  • Outdoor string lights or lanterns
  • Rugs and throw pillows for a touch of comfort
  • Mini water features or tabletop fountains for a relaxing vibe
  • Portable fire bowls for cool spring evenings (always check your building’s guidelines!)
  •  

Get Growing This May Long Weekend!

You don’t need a sprawling backyard to flex your green thumb. With a few smart space-saving strategies and the right plants, you can create a lush retreat on your balcony or patio—just in time for summer evenings and BBQ season.

 

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