BBC Gardeners' World

Greening up a city balcony

“Although my gardening journey started quite recently, I’m excited by a lifetime of seeing and learning as much as possible”
Oliver Hymans

When Oliver and his partner Marcus moved to their north-east London flat six years ago, the 5m by 1.5m balcony was just used to store bikes. But Oliver soon set about turning it into a relaxing haven, surrounded by greenery. His passion for gardening began with house plants, then expanded to propagation and trying out different plants.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from BBC Gardeners' World

BBC Gardeners' World1 min read
BBC Gardeners’ World
Editor Tamsin Hope Thomson Designer Bonnie Bryan Sub-editor Jean Postle Photography Sarah Cuttle, Paul Debois, Jason Ingram Additional photography Marsha Arnold, Getty Images (p1, p86-87), Neil Hepworth, Caroline Hughes, Lynn Keddie, David Murray, Ti
BBC Gardeners' World3 min read
Plant Solutions Dry Borders
Deep shade Dappled shade Partial shade These clump-forming perennials produce pretty pincushion-like flowers in a range of colours, from white through dusky pinks to the rich ruby red of Astrantia major ‘Claret’ (pictured). Keep plants well watered d
BBC Gardeners' World6 min read
Containers Patio pots
Planting up your container is an easy, fun and creative process. Follow these simple steps to make sure your pot provides the right conditions for all your plants to thrive and that you arrange them in the best way to show them off to full advantage.

Related Books & Audiobooks