Some days I can hardly contain my joy.
Every morning after I wake up, I walk over to my sliding glass door, throw open the door and take in all the glorious beauty on my tiny balcony. Happiness floods my soul. It’s such a great way to start the day!
This small space… nearly 4 feet deep by 19 feet long has become my balcony garden oasis.
Filled with beautiful hanging baskets, container gardens, and grocery store mark-down plants… everything is flourishing on this bright but mostly shady perch high among the trees.
With all the container gardens there isn’t a lot of space for chairs. Actually, it’s a pretty narrow space to have any furniture even when it’s empty unless we don’t mind playing train. But I did manage to create the feeling of a garden room by hanging a curtain panel at one end, placing a colorful floor cloth that I made on the decking, and topping it all off with the wrought iron “dining” chair you might remember we bought when we first moved to this apartment, along with the little side table.
We first purchased a pair of those chairs because they were comfortable and VERY affordable AND I had in my mind that they wouldn’t always be the only chairs we had and they could then become our outdoor chairs. Yes… I always have a plan and expectation for better things to come. Since then, we acquired a very nice pre-loved breakfast table and chair set along with a love seat and chair, so this spring the chairs were eager to find a way to the balcony.
You might even notice that the pillows look strangely familiar also. I took down the curtain in the dining area and made it into pillows which match the floor cloth. Actually, I had the paint for the floor cloth tinted to match the pillow fabric. That is such a summery and happy shade of blue and is the perfect contrast to my pink geraniums, gerbera daisies, and fuchsia.
I LOVE to sit outside in my little oasis. It would be so fun to have you join me and share a kombucha or lemonade. You’d get to see how enjoyable it is among the flowers and you might even get to see some of the hummingbirds stop by their feeder for a little sweet treat.
Our little balcony garden even has a water feature. This small container water fountain I created has the added bonus of being a fish pond as well. You’ll have to imagine just how pleasant it is to listen to the sounds of water gurgling. It’s truly relaxing. Plus, our little neighbor kids love to come up and feed the fish and the girl loves to sit and watch the fish and enjoy just being in “the garden.”
Did you notice that the ceramic fish and container are a nod to the color of the floor cloth and pillows? It isn’t matchy matchy but instead, gives a lovely repetition of aqua from one end of my balcony oasis to the other.
To top it all off… I strung some miniature lights from the railing. Looking out the patio door any time of the day, but especially at twilight is extra lovely with tiny glowing lights.
It’s all so wonderful… I can hardly stand it.
No, it isn’t the huge garden that I’m used to… but it is absolutely delightful and makes living in this apartment so much more tolerable. And there’s no weeding to do. (Though today I was telling Tim how much I missed weeding. I know someday when I finally have my garden in the ground along with its weeds I may change my tune.)
Our balcony garden was a small investment for the warm weather season that has already paid high dividends with all the pleasure it has given us. They say you can’t buy happiness… but I’m pretty sure I sort of did when I purchased all my plants.
This beautiful tree-top garden is a good reminder to me… that if I choose… I can make any space home. And enjoy it too.
How about you? Have you done something to create or spruce up an outdoor living space this summer?
I’m so happy you stopped by today.
Please come back again as I share how to make a floor cloth that you can use to brighten your porch or patio or any spot you’d love to refresh or light up with color.
And one more really big last minute happening…
I joined some blogging friends who planned to host a blog hop featuring each other’s lovely outdoor spaces. I thought it was such a wonderful coincidence that I happened to share my outdoor space the same day as their blog hop. What a blessing it is to be invited and so last minute to join them. You will be amazed at all the wonderful inspiration. Please take some time to grab your favorite beverage and get lost in a lovely tour of outdoor spaces. Here they are for the…
Summer Outdoor Living Blog Hop
Chatham Hill on the Lake ~ Old Things New ~ Anika’s DIY Life
French Ethereal ~ Shepherds and Chardonnay ~ Gratefully Vintage
Exquisitely Unremarkable ~ Of Faeries and Fauna ~ The Purple Hydrangea
Cobani Bleu ~ Raggedy Bits ~ Savvy Apron ~ Pearl Street Designs
Shop at Blu ~ Small Home Soul ~ Jordan’s Easy Entertaining
My Slight Obsession for a Beautiful Front Porch
More Outdoor Living Ideas
I made a Simple Water Fountain for my Balcony Garden and Love it!
What You Need to Know to Plant a Beautiful Window Box
Get Inspired with these Great Yard and Garden Ideas
Nine First Steps :: Create an Extraordinary Container Garden
Thanks so much for popping by today!
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It all looks beautiful. You have done wonders with the space. Thank you for such good ideas.
Thank you so much, Marilyn! It truly is a delightful space. Wish you could enjoy it with me.
All the best for an extraordinary day!
GORGEOUS, Diane! It looks like those pictures should be in the pages of a glossy magazine! (But much better to be able to experience the setting!)
Thank you, LuAnn! You just made my day! {{hugs}} And yes… I’ll take the experience over the viewing any day!
Hope you’re enjoying your summer and reaping rewards from your garden.
Diane, I don’t comment a lot, but I have to say that you are one of the most positive people I know. I love how you share your heart, and what you have learned/are learning from God. Many times the lessons you have learned apply to me, too. I absolutely love your balcony garden, and I may even try my hand at one or two of the ideas you shared.?
Awww… that just blesses my heart, Sue! Thank you!!
Please be sure to let me know what you decide to do. 🙂
How do you do Miss Diane,
My name is Minnie, no one will admit it but I have a hunch I was named after Minnie Mouse.
I just wanted to say how beautiful your patio is! Its looks lovely and relaxing, good job well done. Now that we have met when I come to visit I will always envision us out in the beautiful garden smelling flowers listening to the water and getting to know each other.
Blessings to you,
Minnie
Awww… Minnie I love your name. I had an Aunt Minnie and whom I adored.
Thank you for your kind words about my balcony. I had so much fun planting containers, sewing pillows, and painting the floor cloth that it just needs to be shared. I’ll treasure the thought of us meeting there and trading stories over lemonade. {[hugs}}
Dear Diane, Oh my goodness.. your Garden Balcony is simply beautiful! The lovely and restful setting, gorgeous flowers and plants… I know for sure that I would be humming and skipping every morning to open the door too! Have a peaceful evening.. with Love, Judy
Thank you, Judy!! I’m so glad that you’re able to enjoy with me… even if it is virtually. Wouldn’t we have the nicest time sitting there and chatting?
I too love all your plants!! They are lush and healthy!! I’ve been quite lax in watering some not on our sprinklers. I did put all but just three or four on a drip line. I just did not have good growth this year. Maybe this fall?!! I like your plant combos plus the rug and chair. It is very joy filled !! I got sling type chairs similar in color for my patio and what a bright joy their color adds!! Have a nice day!!!
Gwen… you just made me smile! Thank you so much!! I have to say that because my plants only get morning sun they are so blessed. And because they are so close at hand it’s pretty easy to keep them well fed. I use Osmocote – a slow-release fertilizer and a diluted water soluble fertilizer for most waterings.
Putting in a drip line is a great idea! I hope your plants start to come into their own soon. Maybe a little plant food would help?
Your patio sounds like it’s a pretty special spot too. I hope the temps are such that you get to enjoy it often. {{hugs}}
Oh your treetop balcony is so beautiful and looks so peaceful. I love your floor cloth. Before I bought my first home, I lived in many apartments, and an outdoor balcony was an absolute must for me. I needed my own little piece of nature where I could relax and just absorb being outside. Your balcony looks just perfect to me!
Thank you, Nancy! Life sometimes takes interesting turns and twists and we unexpectedly have ended up in this apartment. I realized I could pine for everything in storage and my old home, or I could bloom where I’ve been planted. Blooming is far more fun. And yes… that little piece of nature totally nurtures my spirit, too. It’s a pleasure to meet you Nancy… thanks so much for taking the time to visit. All the best for an extraordinary day!
Diane, your balcony is just wonderful. You have created such a warm and charming area to convene with nature. The colors are so welcoming and summery and the lights are a fabulous touch. I also love that water feature, there’s nothing quite like the sound of running water, is there? I can see why it’s become your oasis. Enjoy your time outdoors!
You are so sweet, Kim! Thank you for your kind words. It’s amazing how much transforming that space as transformed my spirit. I love that I can enjoy it even on the days when it’s too hot to be outside… through the large patio doors. xo
I love that you have done so much with such a narrow space – It’s a little oasis right outside that is all yours! You have incorporated so many great things into the design, I have a hard time picking my favorite – but I think it’s the polkadot rug!
Thanks, Eric! You know that rug makes me smile every time I look at it too! It just says let’s have fun! Thanks for enjoying the whimsy of it with me. And for stopping by today and taking the time to share your extraordinary thoughts.
Have a great day!
Diane, you have so much goodness happening in 76 sq. ft. your patio is perfect. I love the floor cloth, the pillows, the curtains, and all the little details you’ve included in your oasis. Cozy, inviting, and refreshing for your soul 🙂
Awww… thanks so much Toni! You blessed me with your kind words. xo
Diane, I love how much you love your small space garden. It reminds me of when I visited Savannah and every yard no matter how small was like taking a tour at a museum…exquisite! As we will be leaving our large expansive backyard and I am headed to a very small space I will take my inspiration and excitement from you and be thrilled to cultivate a space that makes me feel as wonderful as yours does. It shows how much you love it truly.
Thank you, Debbie, for your sweet words of affirmation. And thank you for including me in your lovely blog hop so late in the game. Moving is so challenging as is downsizing. Wherever you land, I hope you will find many ways to make your new smaller spaces perfectly you. Blessings!
Everything about your space makes me feel happy Diane. Please can I come and hang out there with you? I’ll have a lemonade please because I’m not brave enough to try kombucha. I like my food to look pretty! Haha! love that you recycled curtains into pillows, and that you had the paint for the rug tinted to match. Your plants all look beautiful and healthy (unlike some of mine here who are wilting with this heat) and I’ll bet it really is an oasis. Don’t wish too hard that you had weeds to pull or I’ll suggest you come down to SC for a weed pulling party here.
I’m so glad you joined us in the blog hop girlfriend.
You delight me!
Patti
Aww… you are so sweet dear friend!! I’ll confess I really do enjoy container gardening… it’s so much easier. The beverage in my glass is kombucha… gotcha!!! It is pretty. 😉 Sometimes. Mostly it usually just looks like tea… which it is. Thanks for your kind comments about my plants. We don’t have the heat you do and so it is easier to stay on top of the watering and feeding. I’ll be thinking of you drinking lemonade on your new patio while I’m drinking kombucha on mine. 😉 xo
Your garden is just beautiful! I love your creativity.
I’m reading this just before bed and I have to tell you that your kind words are the most wonderful finish to my day. Thank you, Carey! xo
I love your treetop oasis, Diane! Your plants are so gorgeous and I love the turquoise! Fabulous use of the space!
Thank you so much Kristy!! I did a lot of greenhouse/garden center hopping in my little town to find the right mix of plants. I’m particularly smitten this year with those large begonias.
Hope your weekend is extraordinary! xo
Diane, your little patio is beautiful and so impeccably appointed! The colors and plants are stunning! It looks so inviting I can imagine the sound of the water flowing in the fountain! Just perfect!
Jeannee
Jeannee, you are so sweet! Thank you for your kind thoughts. I think fountain makes such a difference… it pleasant even today when it’s hot and humid.
Hope your week is off to an extraordinary start! xo
Diane! You’ve created the most lovely little oasis. I adore every little detail. You must feel like you’re in a little slice of heaven out there! <3
Awww… thanks Melissa! Yes! I absolutely do feel like it’s a bit of heaven. Now if only the humidity would go away! LOL It was brutal today.
Hello, my name is Debbie and this is my first time here. You have a beautiful outdoor space. Thanks for sharing!
You made a wonderful little spot to get outside and relax in the fresh air! All of your plants are wonderful! Greenery, blooms, all of it is lovely!
I confess I do baby those plants a little bit. Especially the geraniums. Geraniums blossoms turn to mush when we get a heavy rain, so I always move them to shelter. It’s really paid off. The tall begonias are amazing… they look wonderful and are so easy. It’s my first year using those… I hope the garden center has them again next year! Thanks for popping by Chloe and for your kind words, too.
Oh Diane! All of my favs! And those geraniums! such color in your plants. You make me realize I need to add some greens. Just beautiful!
Thank you, Sue, for enjoying it with me! I had a huge shade garden at my first house. Through that experience, I learned to love not only shade gardening but making a garden come alive with the texture and leaf colors. As much as I love flowers and I do… I find it is more peaceful to have pretty leafy plants in my garden spaces.
Hope you have an extraordinary weekend!
Just stunning!! I love it all❤️
Thank you! It’s such a wonderful blessing. My heart overflows with happiness every day.