Balcony (my urban garden)

This year I've tried even more flowers on the balcony than in the past 3 seasons. Each year I'm finding out what ones will & will not work here. High winds are my main problem, but the summer heat also takes a toll (I have forgotten to water on a couple occasions). Last years aphid attack hasn't been repeated, but I still have lost a couple plants this year for reasons unknown.

Most of my flowers are from Gethsemane Garden Center here in Chicago (pricey but good variety), but I also have a nice little geranium clipping from a friend.

My biggest surprise though has been the Sago Palm. I moved it out of the corner window in the living room onto the balcony in late May & it immediately sprouted a new crown of leaves. I've got a new terra cotta pot for it, but haven't decided to transplant yet because it tends to be blown over in high winds.

I'm still trying to grow some sort of flowering vine, but this year again l haven't had much success.

My indoor plants are thriving as well. The fig tree had reached the ceiling this spring so I trimmed it back (and potted one of the clippings which is doing well). The ivy was all trailing down to the floor, so I trimmed them as well (and repotted some). Due to the high winds I don't bring the fig out onto the balcony (winds tear the leaves), but it has done amazingly inside regardless.

Hopefully next year I will have a wind screen installed on the southern facing portion of the balcony, this will help all the plants. I am working with our condo board to see if this is possible to install for all balconies in my building.