Are you living in an apartment with a tiny outdoor space?

City Botanics shares its tips on how to achieve a unique apartment garden that meets your expectations.

While there are many aspects to consider before rushing out and buying plants, take some time to first evaluate the function and form you wish to achieve.

When it comes to function, it’s best not to overcomplicate your space with a list of too many wishes. You may wish to consider using your space to sit and relax, to entertain, to grow some herbs or to create a sense of privacy from neighbours. Whatever your intentions are with function, focus on no more than two goals and do them well. Prioritise your decisions around these goals and you’ll create a space that makes sense, rather than one that doesn’t fit in.

Form is achieved by bringing in various three-dimensional elements such as plants, pots and furniture to create an aesthetically pleasing space that works to soften its surrounds, create order and provide a distinction between different areas. By using a variety of form, you can enhance a space and prevent it from feeling stark, while also giving you an exclusive space to escape to.

Use colour to elevate form by sticking to a palette scheme and repeating it through your space, which also helps create a sense of unity. Foliage and flower colour are easy ways to achieve this, but pots can also be used as a simple way to pull a space together. Choose pots of the same common colour, but also pick those that are the same style and shape for maximum impact. For a really unique take, source pots from suppliers that can custom paint them in colours that match your furniture or other surrounding elements.

Finally, use texture to create interest and to soften hard surfaces. This can be achieved by using a variety of plant foliage, along with soft furnishings like outdoor rugs.

Whatever direction you take, planning your design in advance of purchasing is the best way ensure you achieve a successful outdoor apartment garden that you can enjoy, rather than ignore.

For further information, call Martin on M: 027 215 7884, www.citybotanics.co.nz