Expert: nick mccann - 6/8/2009

Question
What kind of flowering plants as well as green shrubs are best to plant on a
balcony, one side facing east and the other north?
Thank you!
Elisabeth

Answer
Hi Liz, thats a pretty broad spectrum question, for the varieties are endless, any of the perennials or annuals will do just fine; I would put a window box on the railings to give a flowing look, and put Petunias in them, so they hang down over the railing. I would also implement marigolds, pansies, geraniums and ornamental grass; I would put impatiens in where they will get shaded by the taller annuals. English Ivy mixed in with the Petunias on the railing would add a touch of green. The choices are endless, and only your imagination limits it; the nice thing is it is protected from most insect problems, especially snails;the only thing to avoid, is crowding them, many people tend to put too many plants in a container, thinking more is better, and nothing could be further from the truth, for they need their own root space, and will suffer if crowded. Nick