As our society is becoming more environmentally aware, we’ve come to realise the importance of creating eco-friendly green spaces in urban environments. Not only is it beneficial to the planet to build environmentally friendly solutions and create green spaces in urban settings, but it’s also important for our own physical and mental health. Think about all the times you’ve walked through a lush park and felt at ease – wouldn’t it be nice to feel that at home too?
Here are our top tips on how to create an environmentally-friendly oasis on your balcony.
Create an edible garden
The number one step in creating a productive, urban green space is to have an edible garden. Producing your own veggies and herbs saves you money, tastes incredible AND feels amazing! The first tomatoes you grow will be the best you’ve ever tasted. Consider building veggie boxes such as wicking beds (if you can) for an even more environmentally conscious option.
Use vertical spaces
Vertical space is incredibly important in any small space, and any apartment dweller already knows this. Consider purchasing (or building!) outdoor shelving to store gardening tools or items such as worm farms or micro-greenhouses. Additionally, you could also use vertical space to hang planters or create a walled garden as an extension of your edible garden, filling it with herbs and plants that attract bees.
Invest in plants, big and small
Not only are plants amazing for the environment, with their natural air-purifying abilities, but they also make for beautiful privacy screens! Create your urban jungle by including a variety of plants, big and small, in your design. Plan out what species you’d like to include, whether you are looking at larger plants containing some fruit trees, such as the citrus variety, or if you are looking for plants that serve a more aesthetic purpose. It’s important to configure your balcony’s layout before making any plant purchases! Understanding the environment they will sit in and how best to care for them plays a large part in your decisions.
Worm Power!
A topic that some may find squeamish is having a compost or worm farm in your apartment. At first, fears of slimy little critters stinking out your apartment may be racing through your mind. However, do not panic! Compost solutions do not smell and are incredibly beneficial for both you and the environment. By disposing of food scraps, such as vegetable peelings, instead of throwing them in landfill and polluting our planet, you are giving back to the earth and creating rich, nutrient-filled compost to spread over your plants and edible garden. You can even donate some of it to your local community garden!
There are so many amazing options to create an environmentally conscious oasis on your balcony. Get creative! There is no right or wrong answer to designing your dream space.
If you are looking for a strata manager with a passion for the environment, and that will make your eco-conscious ideas a priority, don’t hesitate to contact us today.