Squeezing the most out of small outdoor spaces

BY MELISSA RAYWORTH

https://apnews.com/article/db07265fbaa94dd290624da47f1a85cd

In the burgeoning trend towards green living, individuals with limited outdoor spaces are innovating to integrate herb and vegetable gardens, composting, and other sustainable practices into their environments. Interior designer Edyta Czajkowska, from Edyta & Co., exemplifies this by transforming a client’s Chicago high-rise balcony into a garden oasis using assorted planters for individual herbs and flowers, achieving an organic yet refined aesthetic. This approach underscores the potential of small patios and balconies for cultivating plant life.

Experts including Czajkowska, landscape architect Janice Parker, and interior designer Jen Sypeck, offer valuable advice for creating lush, plant-friendly areas in constrained spaces. They emphasize the importance of planning, advising individuals to realistically assess their space, set clear gardening goals, and explore vertical gardening to maximize limited areas. Selecting plants strategically is crucial; beginners are encouraged to start with hardy plants like rosemary or lavender, while those seeking minimal effort with vivid colors might opt for pre-planted succulent containers. For areas with little sunlight, shade-tolerant plants are recommended.

Moreover, embracing color and drama through the use of large, lightweight planters can make a striking design statement in a small space. Mixing materials and repurposing items as plant containers adds a unique touch. Practical elements, like compost bins, can be discreetly integrated within attractive planters to maintain aesthetic appeal.

Finally, treating a small outdoor area as an extension of indoor living space can enhance its appeal. Incorporating focal points like a beautiful table, ambient lighting with LED candles or battery-powered lights, and decorative elements such as sculptures or painted birdcages, can transform a modest balcony or patio into a cozy, inviting outdoor retreat. This holistic approach to green living in limited spaces not only maximizes functional use but also promotes environmental sustainability and personal well-being.

Discover the future of waste management with composting free technology

Handling organic waste properly can be challenging due to the unpleasant smell and dirty water produced during the composting process. Despite the availability of various composting technologies and equipment in the market, time and pollution remain significant concerns. However, a novel technology that combines patented equipment and enzymes offers a potential solution. This innovative approach can convert organic waste into fertilizer in just a few hours, and most importantly, without causing pollution.