Need help with my balcony!

13 years ago

Hi all! We just bought a house which has a large balcony. The flooring is boring tiles and since the previous owner vacated the place quite sometime ago the 'garden' is pretty dismal.
I want to revamp the whole place - preferable DIY and nothing too expensive.
Im looking for ideas for a contemporary shrub garden, may be a few medium height trees.
Any ideas for flooring- white gravel/ stones/ etc are most welcome. A water feature would be lovely too but currently clueless!
BTW I live in Singapore and do consider the temperature and humidity when suggesting plants!

Thanks so much and as a relative new comer, Im already in love with the Houzz community :)

Madhu

Featured Answer

michigammemom

13 years ago

Sadly I am not familiar with plants suitable for Singapore, but your gardens seem to lack any color, so look for flowering shrubs and annuals planted in modern urns. The tile presently on your patio is quite attractive, but you could use a beautifully patterned indoor/outdoor rug to soften the look. I love your seating but would add throw pillows constructed of Sunbrella fabrics.

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Comments (19)

Madhu
Original Author
13 years ago
No suggestions :(
0
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Manon Floreat
13 years ago
You're balcony is fabulous! I'm not familiar with plants that do well in your climate, but from what I've heard anything that has a USDA hardiness zone of 10-11 should do well. And I know you can grow orchids there! I recommend visiting the Singapore Botanic Gardens. A good place for idea gathering. Link:

http://www.sbg.org.sg/

I wouldn't change much with your balcony- except revitalizing the foliage and adding a focal point. Currently, there doesn't seem to be one. How about making a water feature the focal point? I'd put it either dead center across from the glass doors (you could enjoy it from indoors that way as well) OR put it in the little alcove to the left. You could then add water plants like papyrus and lotus.

I LOVE the furniture you have out there, but from the pictures they kind of dominate the space. If you're super attached to them, maybe just use two and repurpose or sell the others. A divan or other sort of daybed (teak is good for humid climates) would be nice for lounging.

I've got to run - but I'll see if I can find some visuals for you later.
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Manon Floreat
13 years ago
Hi, Madhu. Below are a couple of photos from which you might be able to get ideas. The first has a layout similar to yours - but I don't know if the red would work for you. But it's a good example of a water feature as a focal point upon entering the space. The second is an example of good use of plantings and built in bench seating. Add a water feature in the corner in place of the grass and you'd have a nice little surprise! Lastly, is a board I put together with some items you might find interesting. It has a pebble mosaic rug that could be a fun diy project.

I hope you keep us posted of your progress. Best wishes!
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Madhu
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you both!
Really? you dont think the tiles should go? No teak decking tiles?
Manon, I love your your last pic ( I love DIY!)
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Manon Floreat
13 years ago
Teak decking would be beautiful - it would add depth. But the tiles you have look really nice. I don't know . . . maybe just revitalize the plantings add some acessories for now, then if in 3 months you want teak flooring - go for it.

I'm all about the diy, too!
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Madhu
Original Author
13 years ago
Sounds like a plan!
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Madhu
Original Author
13 years ago
Any inputs on artificial grass?
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Manon Floreat
13 years ago
No artificial grass! You can grow living grasses in your planters and pots.
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PRO
Charmean Neithart Interiors
13 years ago
I have spent some time in Singapore and the humid weather would support orchids well. Also, very appropriate for the setting. I think the tile looks fin a and the furniture is great. Maybe find an outdoor rug that will define the seating area and is weather resistant. Good luck with your space. Charmean Neithart
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Madhu
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you both!
@Charmean, how I would love a healthy orchid garden ! They need a fastidious caretaker though :(
I was thinking of an urban garden with lots of grasses..planning to visit the landscapers soon.
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PRO
Charmean Neithart Interiors
13 years ago
You're very welcome. Let us know how it turns out.
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PRO
Global Syn-Turf - Artificial Grass Supplier
10 years ago
Madhu, it's been almost three years since you started this thread. Curious to see what you ended up doing with the balcony. If you're still receptive to ideas, I think artificial grass would be a good option. It's low maintenance and functional.
PRO
Greenhouse Design & Build Pte Ltd
8 years ago
Hi Madhu,

Please see our website at http://grehse.wixsite.com/greenhousedesign/-project--gallery . We posted a lot of our previous projects photos for landscaping .I hope you will get some ideas for your balcony .
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Sandra Lee
8 years ago
I suggest adding some outdoor rugs if you like to spice it up!
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Tecknee Missir
8 years ago
Madhu , I used teak like tiles for my balcony . Bougeanvilleas look very pretty in the balcony too .
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dreebug
8 years ago
You can check out the outdoor floor tiles like the Scala (Google Snap and Go tile) which are easy to piece additionally on the ground for a new look. ;) I saw another brand here, http://list.qoo10.sg/item/OUTDOOR-TIMBER-FLOOR-TILE-SINGAPORE-SELLER-100-AUTHENTIC-BEAUTIFUL/482453309 (not sure where this brand is from but they all work the same). They even have faux grass, stones as well as timber. Definitely easy to DIY, and you can combine different surfaces together if you want (stones and wood combo for example).
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Madhu
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks so much everyone, came here again after a long time! This is what the garden turned out to be :)
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Madhu
Original Author
4 years ago
Have enjoyed the balcony and the plants immensely
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Need help with my balcony!

michigammemom

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