1. Light and water: Plants need adequate sunlight and water to thrive, so it’s important to choose plants that can tolerate the conditions of the balcony or living wall, and ensure they receive enough water.
2. Weight: Both balcony gardens and living walls need to be properly supported to prevent damage to the building structure. The weight of the soil and plants must be taken into account when designing these features.
3. Drainage: Plants in balcony gardens and living walls need proper drainage. Proper drainage helps avoid water damage to the building structure while also allowing the plants to thrive. Careful planning is required to ensure adequate drainage and avoid water accumulation.
4. Maintenance: Balcony gardens and living walls require maintenance such as pruning, watering, and fertilizing. These tasks should be taken into consideration when designing the garden or wall to make sure they’re accessible and easy to manage.
5. Plant selection: The suitability of plants should be considered. Plants with a shallow root system typically work best for balcony gardens since the soil depth may be limited. When it comes to living walls, a variety of types of plants are available, however, factors such as sunlight, water and weight must be considered.
6. Aesthetics: A balcony garden or living wall can be a beautiful addition to a home, therefore their aesthetic value should be considered in the design process. This includes colour, texture, and other visual features.
7. Sustainability: It is important to aim for sustainability in the design of a balcony garden or living wall. Some ways to achieve this include using drought-tolerant plants, using planters or materials made from recycled materials, and choosing organic fertilizers.
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