balconies.

This is the result of lifestyle changes where a trip to the gym or a jog provides weekly exercise.

One of my sons has opted for apartment living rather than having his spare time dictated to by regular pruning and watering.

But like many gardeners who swap gardens for views, he has soon resorted to large pots and trees on his balconies, without a great deal of success.

Gardening is a bit addictive, once a gardener, always a gardener.

I have noticed those small spaces soon being filled with all manner of plants and containers.

Low-maintenance succulents and rocks are the answer in exposed conditions, but this doesn’t satisfy a real gardener for long.

What then are the alternatives? Give consideration to the site structure because it determines the finished display.

Is it shady or sunny? Is it elevated and prone to prevailing winds? It is possible to mass balconies and courtyards with masses of plants, roses, and ferns?

A great effect can be achieved by the grouping of pots, large, small, high and low.

Let’s consider creating an orchard in pots.

Fruit and vegetables don’t just look amazing in pots, they thrive.

Initially, a wise decision needs to be made in the choice of pots.

Colours are restrictive and when you return to a retail outlet to match up a glazed pot, the colour and shape will be different.

Terracotta pots can virtually always be added to. The colour may not be identical as such containers are often imported from Italy, Vietnam and China.

The colour is dictated by the clay available at the source of manufacture, but they blend, they never look mismatched.

The most popular choice for edible crops are citrus – during the last few years dwarf varieties have been introduced making them ideal for smaller gardens.

If dwarf varieties aren’t available don’t be deterred, as in my experience all citrus are happy in large containers.