Life in the concrete jungle can still include its share of nature. Give your condo a dose of natural inspiration by including plants in your decor–both indoors and outdoors.

Chic and interesting green landscapes can be achieved in your condo, regardless of the size of your space. Check out these 5 Tips to Enhance your Condo’s Greenspace.

Incorporate Greenspace All Throughout Your Condo

In the warmer months, when the sun is shining through your condo, almost any area will accommodate greenery. Think of plants as you would decor, to enhance your home’s surrounding. A focal point draws the eye in to where it’s wanted (and away from where it’s not wanted). Place greenery everywhere throughout your condo from a display on the dining table, to your mantle, or to draw the eye towards your view. This gives a space more visual interest, and at the same time, makes other unwanted views disappear. In the cold Canadian winter months, having green space sprinkled throughout your condominium keeps things feeling fresh, giving you a much needed dose of nature.

Think of Texture

Big, bold tropical plants create a lush feel, especially in a small landscape. Their large leaves can change the scale of a smaller space and help it feel larger. Whether solid green or variegated, their interesting look is unparalleled. Armed with spines, edged with teeth or clothed in masses of small rounded leaves, succulents also offer exciting texture and form, which can be heightened further with contrasting smooth or simple containers. The baby umbrella tree, a miniature of the larger species, has whorls of thick leaflets that tolerate indoors very well, and needs little if any pruning to keep it in bounds. Traditionally such plants have been displayed indoors, but all can be grown outdoors in summer on a sunny sheltered balcony.

Go Vertical

In a condo there tends to be less vertical than horizontal restrictions on your space. Features such as high ceilings and vast windows of sun-facing glass, give you ample opportunity for living decor. Place hanging planters inside, on the walls to maximize use of your space. Turn your bare balcony walls into foliage masterpieces, giving you the feel of being immersed within nature. Vines and tall floor planters with plants that will grow up instead of outward leaves you precious floor space for outdoor seating.

Place Bold and Bright Colours Prominently

Count on colour to enhance any space, regardless of its size. Incorporate variations of greens into your condo’s colour palette. Where possible, place bold, bright colours front and centre, where they’ll be admired. They demand attention first, allowing the rest of the space to flow away, making the space look larger than it really is. Orchids are a good value, as they bloom for three to four months. Many indoor plants can be moved outside during the warmer months. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, but you want colour and longevity, Kalanchoes are a great option. This flowering plant can handle the heat and adds height and tons of colour to the foliage to your balcony.

Edible Gardens

Living in a condo doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands a little dirty. If you’re lucky enough to have a south- or west-facing window or balcony and get at least six hours of sun, you can grow almost anything you would normally grow in the ground. Cherry tomatoes, basil and a pot of chives are an ideal starting point. These selections are versatile foods and a sinch to grow. If you’re not quite so lucky and don’t face the sun, tomatoes won’t be an option for you, however you can still grow delicious edible plants in your condo. Chives will survive anything and are a great option, along with lettuce, Swiss chard and other leafy greens. Lettuce doesn’t need a deep pot, it just needs to keep hydrated, so even if all you have is a shallow window box, you can still grow your salad fixings at home.

Original Article: https://www.devmcgill.com/en/blog/bring-spring-to-your-condo-5-tips-to-enhance-your-condos-green-space/