Comments on: Step-by-Step Tips for Creating a Garden on a Shady Balcony

By: Darlene Anderson

Darlene Anderson — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:51:34 +0000

Lots of good info! Although I have a country home, your suggestions for planting in the shade are very helpful!

By: Fern

Fern — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 06:27:51 +0000

PDQ–Good suggestions. I’ve never grown Clivia in a container, is it happy with potted life?

By: PDQ

PDQ — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:49:56 +0000

If you’re looking for vivid colors in the shade I recommend varieties of fuschia and clivia. I’m experimenting with spearmint and peppermint this year with good results so far.

By: Fern

Fern — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:22:37 +0000

Thanks Jean Ann!

By: @JeanAnnVK

@JeanAnnVK — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:57:40 +0000

What a great blog! I am fortunate to have a half an acre lot now. But I would have loved to have this as a resource when I didn’t have the space.

By: Fern

Fern — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:17:02 +0000

Jane–Which climate is that? I think it’s hardy to zone 4 or 5 and likes moist soil (if I remember correctly from when I was researching this post).

I googled chamaedorea palms. They’re very nice looking plants. Thanks for the tip!

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:45:31 +0000

I’ve read that it’s hard to keep astilbe alive in this climate.

Another genus of potted plants suitable for shade that you might consider are chamaedorea palms. They come in many heights, lend a lush tropical look, and some, such as bamboo palm (C. seifrizii) won’t crowd the balcony but will add some privacy. (In their natural habitat, they’re understory palms and would sunburn if they didn’t have shade).

By: Ideas for Shady Container Gardening

Ideas for Shady Container Gardening — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:22:14 +0000

A common problem that many small space gardeners face is shade. Maybe your balcony is on the shady side of the building, or the building next door is so close that it casts a shadow over your entire balcony for most of the day. Or, your garden might be like my brother’s–it’s so small that it’s own walls cast a shadow over most of the garden….

By: Fern

Fern — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:23:42 +0000

My pleasure Marye, I used a couple of the ideas in that post with a lot of success.

By: marye

marye — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:55:31 +0000

These are such wonderful ideas!Thanks for the link!