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The
Building -
Consider
the whole building when creating a balcony garden
One of the biggest
differences between traditional backyard gardening and container
gardening is the role of the building. Gardeners with the luxury
of using the earth as a canvas rarely give nearby buildings a second
thought, except for issues of shade and space limitations. But for
container gardening, considering the potential effect the garden
has on the building is a key part of creating a successful garden.
Container gardening
can potentially damage buildings in several ways:
- Water damage
from run-off or leaky hoses
- Stains from
soil, water, fertilizers
- Structural
damage due to excess weight (especially important with rooftop
gardens and window boxes)
- Aesthetic
damage from untended plants and containers
- General damage
from gardening activities (e.g. dragging tools around, increased
use of area, etc.)
Whether you
own your own house or are a renter you need to take precautions
to prevent such damage from occurring.
If you rent,
it's usually a good idea to tell the landlord your plans, and even
confirm his/her permission in a letter. Share your plans, get input.
Use statements like "I love this building and I just want to
make sure I don't hurt it." Always ask permission when considering
gardens in public areas.
You are a tenant
farmer, an urban serf. The lord is all powerful and must be appeased.
So, with that in mind, start small and ask gently. And don't be
afraid. Thy landlord may be a gardener, or just a fan of fresh tomatoes.
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