See What's New > Recent Happenings
| Latest Entry |
New Arrival: Coccolona Chair |
| Joanna | Thursday 4th of March 2010 01:30 PM |
| Introducing the Coccolona Armchair from Italian designers Scab. Made from recycled polypropylene, the Coccolona is available in 6 colours and is stackable. Click here to have a look at the chair There isn't a table in our range that won't look fabulous with the Coccolona Chair. Here’s our favourite dining combinations: Plantation Table with Linen Coccolona Chairs – great where you want the warmth of timber but still want to keep it modern. The linen Coccolona really highlights the modern form of the Plantation table and makes an interesting contrast against the timber. Marine Table in White with Orange Coccolona Chairs – a burst of colour really draws attention to the contemporary Marine table. Add some of the new white ceramic pots, a few striking plants and the odd orange accessory and you have created a stunning modern balcony. Piano Table with White Coccolona – a simple yet stylish combination. |
| Recent Entries |
Some new garden design samples |
| Joanna | Wednesday 3rd of February 2010 12:58 PM |
| We've just updated the sample designs in the design section of our website. There are three copies of real designs that we've completed in Camperdown, Waterloo and Balgowlah heights in the past couple of months. Go to the design page and have a look |
Show Apartment Design |
| Joanna Rogers | Wednesday 18th of November 2009 02:21 PM |
Furnishing show apartment balconies provides us with a great opportunity to showcase our collections. We have worked with Lend Lease on a number of show apartments in the Jacksons Landing development with the most recent being the newly completed Stonecutters building. The BriefThe brief for the Stonecutters apartment was to compliment the interior, don’t obstruct the view and show potential buyers how the space can be used effectively. Oh, and it needs to look amazing. Our Starting Point We begin by looking at the materials used in the interior fit out and styling. Where the balcony is such an integral part of the internal living space it is vital that it compliments the interior.  A white kitchen with Caesar stone bench tops and stainless steel appliances gave us an immediate starting point. Modern stainless steel framed furniture was the obvious choice. We then used the cool grey tones of the sofa as the inspiration for the pots. The Lead colour of the BalconyLite range worked perfectly and its square angular shape is a perfect match for a modern interior.  The final key element was the table top. To ‘reflect’ the glass balustrade and the glass feature windows running the length of the living space we chose an obscure glass. At this point we have a lot of ‘cool’ elements which are all replicated in the interior however the overall feel of the interior is more warm and earthy. We needed to introduce something to transform the overall feel of the balcony.We achieved this through the use of teak dining chairs and the introduction of some feature elements in burnt orange, a feature colour used inside the apartment. In addition the planting scheme incorporated Phormium tenax Maori Chief, a New Zealand Flax in a multitude of warm earthy tones.  The Finished ProductThe finished product shows how so much can be achieved on an average sized balcony. Seating to entertain four, a casual chair to relax, a space to barbeque and planting to add life and vitality. And this was all achieved while maintaining the spectacular views and complimenting the interior scheme. View some larger pictures in the recent images of our photo gallery |
New Outdoor Fabrics |
| King Rakic | Friday 30th of October 2009 03:50 PM |
| We have some fresh new outdoor fabrics to be made into seat pads for our furniture range. The fabrics are water, stain and UV resistant. Add your own personal touch to our furniture with some funky outdoor seat pads for our chairs, stools or benches. Have us re-cover your Hampton cushions or accent your sofa with a few scatter cushions. Earthy tones with a touch of colour are always popular such as our ‘Chocolate & Mint’ or ‘Chocolate & Lime’. Is a retro feel more your style? Then go for a fusion of yellow and orange in our vibrant ‘Citrus’ or have some psychedelic fun in ‘Blue & Green’. Floral prints such as ‘Duck, Egg & Chocolate’, block colours or stripes add an understated appeal to your furniture collection. Email us for the colour swatches and pricing. |
Essential Style Feature |
| Warren | Thursday 8th of October 2009 09:02 AM |
| We have two of our products featured in todays SMH essential outdoor living. Follow the links if you're looking for more information on the Hanging Pod Chair and Dragonfly Wall Panel |
New Arrivals - Lightweight Pots |
| Warren | Tuesday 6th of October 2009 09:00 AM |
| We have finally received the new shapes in our range of BalconyLite lightweight pots. There are 3 new round styles that range from small planters to 1m high statement pots. You can see all the new additions including their dimensions and prices in our lightweight pots section. We also finally have our popular troughs back in stock in all small, medium and large sizes. All the pots are on display in our Pyrmont showroom, come in or give us a call if you have any questions about availability. |
The Party Garden |
| Warren | Friday 25th of September 2009 01:38 PM |
| Check out the feature in today's Essential magazine with the Sydney Morning Herald. Theres a feature on Charlie Albone (Selling Houses Australia) and his new Party Garden show on the Lifestyle Channel. The Urban Balcony features at the top of Charlie's list of 'outdoor buying tips'.... "The Urban Balcony - ultra modern and stylish outdoor furniture and smaller items such as hurricane lamps, pots and metal wall hangings." Couldn't have said it better ourselves! http://www.lifestylechannel.com.au/thepartygarden/ |
Minimalism |
| King Rakic | Sunday 20th of September 2009 02:52 PM |
| Minimalism started in the 1950’s and followed through up until the 80’s when excess in style, and shoulder pads, kicked in. It is a term used to describe art, architecture and visualisation. The aim here is to experience the work without unnecessary composition by removing anything that “doesn’t matter”. This leaves the focus on existing shapes or colour. Solid colour, straight, simple lines and no frills. A bright orange pot on a plantation table complements the earthy tones of the teak. Or try a new furniture trend by mixing up your style. Add white woven bayview chairs to a teak plantation table. The woven pattern on the chair complements the linear pattern of the teak without being too literal eg. plantation chairs with a plantation table. The white chairs with the teak gives it a sense of interest without excessive glare from the midday sun that can be apparent from a white balcony with white furniture and pots. The phrase “Less is more” is often used to describe the fundamentals of minimalism. The phrase originated from a poem by Robert Browning: Who strive - you don't know how the others strive To paint a little thing like that you smeared Carelessly passing with your robes afloat,- Yet do much less, so much less, Someone says, (I know his name, no matter) - so much less! Well, less is more, Lucrezia. Our memories live on in our minds and the items that we surround ourselves with. Unfortunately these items can cause clutter once they accumulate. Keep your house and balcony as accessible as possible; it is there for you to use and not simply for storage. It is a living space. I would like to invite you to our store as last week we re-merchandised it from top to bottom with our look for the upcoming summer season. We are focusing on simplicity by displaying our furniture and pots in a stripped back and elementary format. The focus here is definitely on our products and the surrounding space. |
Smart Grass |
| King Rakic | Thursday 10th of September 2009 04:02 PM |
| Why not bring a touch of the outdoors to your balcony with the addition of a real look and feel grass. Smart Grass is a synthetic grass which is unique in it’s construction and durability. The grass fibres have been curled and they have a soft feel under foot. Smart Grass is made in Australia, specifically for Australian conditions. It has been tested by the CSIRO to temperatures up to 60 degrees celcius. There was no change in appearance or any shrinkage as the grass is UV resistant. It is easy to clean. Just like normal grass, you can rake up any leaves easily or just give it a vacuum. Any surprises from doggy pals can easily be scooped up and the area can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water. Urine flows through the grass as there are small holes in the matt. This is the same for rain. Balcony drainage isn’t compulsory as water will naturally evaporate from the grass and the perforated holes allow for vertical drainage. Natural grass will support the growth of mould more than Smart Grass. We sell Smart Grass for $75 per square metre. It can be cut to your measurements. Size is not an issue as it is often used outside commercial venues such as hotels and in football fields. We have a grass matt in our store for you to see and feel. Why not buy an accessory such as a grass door mat $25 or placemat $9.50. |
Bugaboo |
| King Rakic | Thursday 27th of August 2009 05:03 PM |
| Bugaboo translated means something that causes fear or worry. Bugs on our prized plants can certainly do that. Scale, aphid, mealybug, beetle, caterpillar, ant. No matter if you are one floor off the ground, or thirty floors, you need to keep an eye on your plants. Especially now that it is getting warmer. There are two main groups of scale insects, both of which spend most of their lives as immobile adults sucking the sap from stalks, leaves and stems. This weakens the host plant by removing its food supply and other valuable nutrients. Hard scale has an oyster like coating and is difficult to control. Soft scale are usually found on the mid-rib of leaves and stalks of host plants. Most common is white wax scale, seen as large patches of white waxy material along the stems and shoots. The wax covers the insects which feed on the sap. The adult scale lays up to 1000 eggs that hatch into crawlers. These crawlers look like insects as they move to a nearby feeding site where they set up home feeding on the sap of the plant. It is at this crawler stage the scale is most vulnerable as there is no waxy coating to protect them. Spraying with White Oil at this stage will give good results. There are many different types of scale and some scale insects are host specific, such as rose scale. Others attack a variety of hosts such as white wax scale occuring on gardenias and citrus. Scale insects (like mealybugs, they are related) produce large quantities of honeydew. The honeydew becomes a problem in itself as it can cause a sticky mess on your plant that is very hard to remove. Severe infestations of scale insects can result in leaf loss and retarding a plant’s growth, even in the death of the plant. Mealybugs are quite common unfortunately. They look like little tiny white balls of cotton. They are found on stems or the underside of leaves. They are easy to remove by simply spraying with White Oil and then wiping them off the plant. Aphids differ from scale and mealybugs as they have legs and they can move around the plant freely. Aphids may be just about any colour and are found on new growth and the undersides of the leaves, usually clustered together in a group. Heavy infestations cover the plants with honeydew. They are easily controlled with Confidor insecticide. The damage done by ants is usually indirect and actually caused by the aphids, mealybugs or other insects, which they 'farm' for the honeydew. They can however cause damage to the root system of the plant as they burrow to build their nest. |
Stoned |
| King Rakic | Thursday 13th of August 2009 12:56 PM |
| We have just received some more stock of our stonemat range as they have been selling very well lately. Our mats are made with stones from the west coast of New Zealand that have been shaped and polished by the waves, wind, tide and currents. They are bonded to a marine grade backing (the carpet that they use on boats) that has a 25 year UV rating. These mats are natural, durable and weatherproof. The range includes placemats in two sizes, coasters and a tablerunner. These items are perfect for use on our Piano Glass Top, Lilia Glass or Stainless Steel dining tables where you don’t want your cutlery to scratch the table top. See our Stonemat Range here |
Memory Retentive Furniture |
| King Rakic | Sunday 26th of July 2009 01:02 PM |
| Gone are the days where outdoor furniture was designed simply for good looks and practical use. Now we have materials that have a “memory”, have biologically harmless components and are insensitive to temperature change. I am referring to our Australian designed and hand made Piano Range of furniture. The frame is made of powder coated aluminium in white or charcoal and it is also available in an exposed stainless steel finish. The laminate slats consist of high grade resin impregnated Kraft Papers which are laminated under high pressure. Decorative overlays are applied to both faces, resulting in a complete, solid and bonded structure. They are “EO rated” as they have zero formaldehyde emissions, and are completely non toxic in their substance. The benefits include- • It is non–corrosive • Frost and heat resistant • Resistant to organic solvents • High impact strength • Biologically harmless • Water resistant • Insensitive to temperature change • Abrasion resistant • Hygienic • Colourfast But what about the memory? Am I forgetting something? Our Piano Carver Chair has a body of Batyline Mesh which is made in France by Ferrari. It is extremely durable and a long wearing material consisting of a polyester fibre covered by a coating of PVC, making it nearly impossible to tear. Its resilient properties make it an ideal material to be near swimming pools or salt water. Sagging is minimal as it has a maximum stretch of 3%. It also has a “memory” as it will slowly regain its original shape after it has been used, especially when placed out in the sun. The mesh won’t rot - 100% synthetic and resistant to rot and mildew. It is UV treated which makes it highly resistant to UV radiation and fading. |
Painting Our Litex Pots |
| King Rakic | Wednesday 15th of July 2009 05:21 PM |
| Our Litex pots have an inner core of fibreglass for strength with a skin of terracotta blended with epoxy resin for a natural exterior finish. They are safe to use in a fully exposed outdoor situation. See more information about our Litex range We have had a few enquiries regarding painting our pots to suit our customers décor. This is possible in approximately 60 recommended colours. Of course there is a bit of work involved. You can paint them at home or have us do that for you. The cost of this service is labour and the paint involved. Labour We charge $40 per hour to paint pots. We apply a sealer and 3 coats of paint to ensure a good finish. Minimum charge of 1 hour. 1 hour: Up to 4 Small pots (e.g. small euro rectangles) Up to 2 Medium pots (e.g. medium troughs) 1 Large pot (e.g. large troughs) 2 hours: 4 + Small pots 3 - 8 Medium pots Up to 4 Large pots 3 hours + 9 + Medium pots 5 + Large pots Large numbers of multiples we will quote individually Paint The minimum quantity of paint that can be purchased and tinted is 1 litre. 1 litre of Dulux Weathershield costs $38.00. 1 Litre of paint will cover 4 Large Litex troughs We also recommend that the inside of the pots are sealed with a general pot sealer (e.g. Yates Pot-a-seal). This will reduce the risk of moisture penetrating and causing any damage to the paint. |
Plant Selection |
| King Rakic | Sunday 5th of July 2009 02:29 PM |
| There are quite a few things to keep in mind when it comes to selecting plants for your balcony. Have a look on our website at our plants and their plant care requirements. But what about those of us who don’t have a balcony? Yes that is right, I do not have a balcony. But I can still add a touch of nature to my indoor sanctuary. My first ever plant to own is a Humata Tyermannii or White Rabbits Foot Fern. It has unusual rhizomes that look like tarantula legs from which the fern fronds grow. Low light and low watering requirements appeal to me as well as the aesthetics. I like the option of being able to go away for a week or so without having to find a plant sitter. Another plant that I have my eye on is a miniature happy plant which is about 15 centimetres tall. A central trunk sprouts glossy variegated leaves that help to purify the air. And as for calling people crazy for talking to their plants, not that I do that, talking to your plants will emit CO2 which gives them the chemicals they need to help them grow. I knew that my excessive mobile phone chatting would benefit someone someday. |
Pot Volumes & Potting Mix |
| King Rakic | Thursday 11th of June 2009 03:39 PM |
| Buying an empty pot and visualizing how much potting mix you need to fill it can be difficult. Especially as some pots are like a tardis; they look small but hold quite a lot of potting mix. We have pre calculated the volumes of our pots making it easy for you. For example-Litex Large Euro Cube= 87 Litres ÷ 30L per bag = 3 bags of potting mix. Normal garden soil compacts and it doesn’t hold enough air to be used in pots. These days there are quite a few options for potting mix. Choosing the right potting mix is very important. A good mix isn’t just thrown together; it contains the right proportion of airspace, water holding capacity and nutrients for good plant growth. Look for a potting mix that displays the Australian Standards label. A bag with a black standards mark is regular potting mix. But a bag with a red standards mark means the manufacturer has included an amount of fertiliser in the mix that will guarantee performance for several months. Don’t forget to wear gloves whilst working with potting mixes and do not try and smell it as they contain microorganisms that can be bad for your health. At The Urban Balcony we recommend and use Martins Premium Potting Mix, which is suitable for use in all types of pots as it is formulated to provide your plants with the best possible growing conditions. The mix contains a wetting agent to aid in moisture absorption. It will help the mix absorb moisture quicker and more evenly throughout the mix, saving you water. The mix contains coir (coir fibers are found between the husk and the outer shell of a coconut) which will improve water holding capacity and air filled porosity. Water storage crystals are added to help store and release moisture as needed by your plants. This increases the water holding capacity and times between watering. They have also added controlled trace elements and nutrients that will supply up to 9 months healthy plant growth. You can add additional controlled release nutrients after this period nears completion as plants remove them from the soil as they grow. Martins Premium Potting Mix has the red Australian Standards quality seal and the company is 100% family owned and Australian. Not bad for $13 per bag. For our succulents we use AmGrow Black Label Succulent and Cacti Mix. It is an Australian Standards premium potting mix that provides free drainage, which is essential for these types of plants. It contains active minerals and bioactive compost with beneficial microorganisms. This special blend of ingredients results in a mix that is well drained, does not pack, and is heavy enough to support top-heavy plants. |
Water Therapy |
| King Rakic | Sunday 31st of May 2009 02:55 PM |
| The human body is made up of 60-70% water and it covers 71% of the Earth's surface. Water flows and changes, and it carries away what it cleanses through bathing, holy rituals or giving us some emotional release through our tears. Now with the winter months ahead of us, some people may feel the symptoms of SAD-Seasonal Affected Disorder. SAD is a type of depression that can occur when we don’t get enough sunlight exposure. Low winter temperatures may trigger the body to rest and disrupt circadian rhythms. A water feature has many benefits; and some can even help to deter SAD as they create what is known as white noise which is a soothing background sound that helps to relieve anxiety and stress. The sound of moving water can soothe us and can even block out city noises. Another key benefit to water features is that they help to keep the air free of dust and counteract any negative ions in the air that are created from computers, TV’s and air conditioners as they act as a natural ionic air purifier. Originally mechanical ionic air purifiers were found to help asthma patients; later they were discovered to affect Serotonin levels in the bloodstream. Scientific research has shown that the balance between negative and positive ions is required to create a good mood. The best ratios of negative to positive ions are associated with waterfalls and the time before, during, and after storms. Used indoors, your water feature will help to increase the humidity without saturating the air as an electronic humidifier would. The gentle movement of water, that resembles a flowing river, is often captured in the sound of a water feature. This gentle trickling sound is universally found to be soothing. Use this sound to aid you in relaxation and meditation. Watch the water move over it and visualise it washing away your stresses and tension. Embellish your water feature with some of our submersible lights to accentuate the design of the feature and to bring it to life at night. Add some plants such as papyrus or sedge to your water feature to give it a feel of nature as they have in Japanese and Balinese gardens for centuries. |
Decision Making Time Frames |
| King Rakic | Sunday 24th of May 2009 10:54 AM |
| Size? Material? Colour? Durability? Maintenance? There is a lot to consider when you are looking to buy furniture and pots for your balcony. This process can often take several days or weeks. We understand this at The Urban Balcony as we see quite a few customers deliberating over whether they are spending too much time or not enough on the decision making process. Let me tell you that there is no wrong or right amount of time. The only thing that is of importance is that you have taken into consideration all of the factors that you need to before making your purchase. I will explain a few of these factors. A good start is to increase your spatial awareness. Get the measurements of the items and then mark out the area where you are thinking of placing them with old newspapers to give you a feel for the space around the furniture and pots. It will also highlight any access issues to doorways that may occur. There are two main differences between outdoor and indoor furniture and that is design and material. The design of outdoor furniture is typically simple with particular attention to weather resistance. For example, many outdoor tables and chairs have holes or slits so that water will not build up and wind can blow through. Another important difference is in the use of material. Outdoors furniture is usually made of material that will resist corrosion and decay from the weather. Your furniture could deteriorate faster than you would like because you have little time for maintenance. If you have time to add a coat of oil and wipe over the stainless steel with a cleaner, consider buying a teak setting, but if you don’t have time consider a setting that needs little maintenance such as the Fermob French Bistro or Piano range. Teak is made from a renewable resource, making it not only a cost effective solution to your outdoor furniture needs, but also a purchase you can make with a clean conscience. Are you using the pots for a balcony or indoors? The main difference here is that indoor pots come with saucers and they can be a lot lighter as they are thinner and often made of ceramic. What type of look are you after? Is it modern with solid colours like our Litex or Terrazzo range? Or more of a rustic appeal like Atlantis or Old Stone that you are looking for? On the 5th of May I wrote about pot feet, read it for some ideas for your outdoor pots. |
Burgon & Ball |
| King Rakic | Thursday 14th of May 2009 01:22 PM |
| Who are they and which products do we sell? Burgon & Ball began manufacturing in 1730 in the industrial heartland of Sheffield, England and for the past 279 years they have produced some of the finest garden tools for discerning gardeners. The metalworking skills of their workforce are some of the very best in the world and have been passed down through generations. They are passionate about quality – many of the most important product attributes are ‘hidden qualities’ that only emerge when a tool is used. Qualities such as ensuring an edge tool cuts months and years down the line, not just when it’s brought home from the shop. The secret behind this lies with the hardness of the metal – all Burgon & Ball edge tools are made from high-carbon steel, heat treated to the optimum hardness for that tool. Hand Tools- The handles are made from sustainable grown hardwood to give long life. The choice of natural materials means the handle will gradually mould to your hand over time. Stainless steel (not brass or chrome plated) is used on the main body of the tools to give excellent rust resistance and provide a clean movement through the soil. The neck (above the handle) is ergonomically forged to the optimal angle for comfort. All garden tools work more effectively when kept in a good condition. A quick and regular pass over a blade with a good sharpener will keep it in better condition than an annual major overhaul. All steels should be magnetized so the filings remain on the sharpener and not on the blade to cause it to rust. Watering Can- A single handled watering can is ergonomically designed as it requires no twisting of your back to grip the handles with both hands and the graceful handle slips through the hand, as gravity tips the can forward into the pouring position. The emptier it gets, the more it tips. The nozzle is removable so that you can have the option of fine or rapid watering. It is constructed of hot dip galvanised material rather than electro plated for a longer life. |
Pot Feet |
| King Rakic | Tuesday 5th of May 2009 10:37 AM |
| We have had quite a few questions in store from customers regarding pot feet so we thought we might go into a little more detail for you. Pot feet allow for drainage and air circulation around the base of the pot, which helps the soil to be aerated, this can help to retain more nutrients for your plant and cleaning under the pots is easier. They are made of the same material as pots (Glazed, terracotta or old stone) and come in the shape of a quadrant. This hides discreetly and does not detract from the overall design of the pot. They lift your indoor pot and saucer or outdoor pots and help to protect the surface from possible staining. If it is a wood deck, concrete or tiles coming into contact with these surfaces can leave a water mark or discoloration. If water running onto your balcony surface is still a problem for you, then place a small saucer underneath the drainage hole between the pot feet, but make sure that you empty it frequently so that it doesn’t over fill it’s capacity. You will need a minimum of 3 for a round pot and 4 for square shapes or larger round pots. They cost from $2.50 to $6. |
Consumer views on furniture |
| King Rakic | Saturday 11th of April 2009 02:37 PM |
| With many of us now spending more time at home, we are looking for ways to improve our living and entertaining spaces. Buying furniture is a feel good purchase, which can bring you and your guest’s comfort as well as cutting edge style. Furniture online blogs are a flutter with customer surveys. Respondents said that they are spending more time at home due to budget constraints, reprioritising their spending to feather their nest, and investing in home entertainment to save money on going out. Two trend analysts Faith Popcorn and Britt Beamer offer their suggestions. “It’s called the entertainment centre for a reason,” Popcorn said “Concentrate on how to accessorise and amplify that experience. Think oversize chairs and sofas, modular sofas that are re-configurable. Tables that keep food hot (or cold), and entertainment centres that provide storage.” Of course, when budgets are tight, low prices are always good, but Popcorn said that people are willing to weigh long-term costs against short-term savings. A consumer panel discussion during the International Casual Furniture And Accessories Market found that they valued the customer service experience over all else. “When I’m in a specialty store, I’m willing to spend more because the people there are knowledgeable and are willing to deliver the furniture. They’re also local, so I know they’ll be there for me if I have any issues”. |
Outdoor air conditioner unit covers |
| King Rakic | Tuesday 17th of March 2009 03:45 PM |
| For most of us we are constantly using our air conditioners throughout summer but rarely do we pay much attention to them. Unless you have a split system that has an ugly exposed compressor unit on your balcony, then you may be looking for an attractive solution. One idea is to get a custom made teak and stainless steel cover made for it. We have one on order for our pyrmont store courtyard with the dimensions 920mm wide x 550mm deep x 750mm high. This retails at $1,150 if you are looking for something similar. Prices vary depending on the measurements that you require. |
Instant Privacy |
| Mark | Monday 9th of March 2009 12:22 PM |
| One of the biggest problems with living in an apartment is privacy-from your neighbours. An instant and cost effective solution, that does not require approval from your body corporate is a row of large troughs from The Urban Balcony. They have a range of light but durable troughs called Litex made of fibreglass appropriately named The Wall. They come in two sizes- small 580x580x30 at $260 and large 900x900x360mm at $400. I have three on my balcony and used a plant called Murraya that can grow up to two metres and I clip it to keep it compact to form a dense hedge. It looks very appealing from the inside and excellent privacy. Other hardy fast growing plant that are perfect for screening are Gardenia and Lilli Pili. A sculptural modern look is Yucca that also copes with the harsh climates balcony living. |
Outdoor wall art and wall panels |
| King Rakic | Wednesday 4th of March 2009 03:34 PM |
| Artwork no longer belongs just inside the home. Our pieces are suitable for use indoors and outdoors. They make a beautiful accent as outdoor wall art to transform bland walls or to break up long monotonous lines on fences. One of our customers wanted to soften the look of her exterior brick wall. She hung a large picture frame on her exposed brick wall and placed one of our wall art pieces in the middle to give the appearance of a painting that was coming to life. Our metal weave wall panel is hand woven in Africa from recycled materials and benefits communities there directly. Most of our metal wall art and wall panels, are made from steel and designed to weather over time and make them even more appealing. If you want to prevent that from happening, then you can apply a clear coat to protect them. There are some maintenance free options for you as well. - Our papyrus design wall plaques are made of fibreglass with a silver metallic finish that gives you the look of a metallic wall feature without the extra weight. - Our new Chrysanthemum Panels are made of colorbond steel, which is resistant to corrosion. - Our Outdoor Wall Plaques are made of Terracino, which is made out of terracotta with a hessian fibre frame to give it strength |
The best way to burn an outdoor candle |
| King Rakic | Thursday 26th of February 2009 03:11 PM |
| Five quick tips to prevent your outdoor candle from dripping on itself and looking messy... #1 - Place your candle on a heat resistant dish and remove any labels from the candle. Avoid placing a candle next to a wall or window as soot may form. #2 - On the first lighting, let it burn for several hours until the wax pool is 1 centimeter from the outside edge and then blow it out. Once the wax sets you can then re-light it. This will allow the candle to burn in on itself and to prevent it from dripping outwards. #3 - It is important to use a snuffer rather than blowing out the flame as the hot melted wax may blow onto your outdoor furniture. #4 - Trim the wick to 1/4 of it's length before each burn. The wick length determines the flame height, the longer the wick the larger the flame. The trim must not be too short as it will extinguish itself in the wax pool. #5 - A draft can cause a candle to burn to one side. Occasionally rotating your candle will help to compensate for any drafts. |
Less is more |
| Mark | Tuesday 24th of February 2009 01:02 PM |
| Its funny when you visit family and friends, there is one thing that is always overlooked - the balcony / courtyard. There is always the sad looking plants that are struggling to survive in their pot bound plastic pots that are too small and mismatched. Its like when you look up at apartment buildings that have glass balustrades and you can see the same unappealing situation - mismatched pots that are carefully spaced around the perimeter of the space containing sad and dying plants. Its funny but simple - just a few large planters or troughs can make a statement with more impact, along with some wind and sun tolerant plants can make all the difference to the character to a building, giving it more street appeal. It doesn’t have to cost much money, keep it simple by using the a few types of plants for more impact, it would be more low maintenance and ,the neighbours would envy your tastes and be inspired / motivated to do the same, and not to mention-add value to your property at the same time! |
Our own balconies... |
| Ruben | Sunday 22nd of February 2009 11:38 AM |
| Having recently moved into apartment that actually has a balcony I thought that it was about time that I extended my own living space. After so long helping people realise their balcony dreams I was not at all surprised by how much satisfaction I got out of doing my own, but I was surprised by two things... Firstly at the amount of positive feedback from visitors who wished that their balcony was as inviting and was used by everyone - rather then just the smokers. And secondly that the entertaining area has moved from the living room to the balcony of its own accord |
What range of outdoor furniture would you recommend that is maintenance free? |
| King Rakic | Thursday 19th of February 2009 03:40 PM |
| Given the nature of outdoor furniture, nothing is ever quite maintenance free. Regular wiping down of surfaces to stop a build up of dirt & grime will mean that all our furniture will continue to look brand new for many years. However a couple of our range do require minimal fuss: The piano table has a durable powder coated frame and laminate slats, which is designed to withstand the elements with minimal fuss. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth on a regular basis. If the table is exposed to the weather it will need to be wiped down after periods of rain. If you were looking for a small setting then we would recommend the French Bistro range. The furniture is coated in several layers of non-corrosive material and then powder coated with anti-UV paint |
Can your outdoor tables be made with holes in the middle for umbrella's or gas table top heaters? |
| King Rakic | Saturday 14th of February 2009 10:35 AM |
| We have had quite a few people ask us this question and yes, we can with most of our tables. It would be a custom order as the bracing would need to be modified on the table. Our tables currently have a brace running right through the middle so instead we would put one either side of the centre of the table. A custom outdoor furniture order will typically take another 8-12 weeks to deliver as we have to make the table in the next production run. |
As Featured in SMH Good Weekend |
| Joanna Rogers | Saturday 19th of July 2008 01:53 PM |
| Two great products were featured in today's SMH. For more information on the dragonfly wall decoration and the outdoor cushions see the links below: Outdoor cushions...click here Dragonfly Wall Decorations...click here Also check out our range of watering cans, gardeners hand care and gardening gloves....click here |
Hot New Product for Small Balconies |
| Joanna Rogers | Wednesday 2nd of April 2008 03:34 PM |
| The Hanging Balcony table is brand new to our range and is already proving very popular. Its clever design allows it to be attached to virtually any size balcony railing while the flat folding table can also be adjusted to four different heights. It's modern design, space saving features and reasonable price tag make this our hottest new product. Use it as a bar table, a small table to eat at or just a spot to rest a beer while barbequing. For more information click here |
Tables, Chairs and Benches |
| Joanna Rogers | Tuesday 4th of December 2007 04:56 PM |
| I've just had a customer asking how many chairs or which size benches they can fit with each of our outdoor tables. Unfortunately we don't have enough room to get all this information in the furniture section of the website so I've included it here: Benches: Because the legs on the table are set in slightly you should always go for the bench that is one size shorter than the table. Hence with a 1.5m table you would use the 1.2m benches, with the 1.8m table the 1.5m benches and so on. The next question is how many people can you fit on each bench. Obviously it depends on the people however, generally a 1.2m bench seats 2, 1.5m seats 3 and 1.8m seats 4. Chairs: The number of chairs that will comfortably fit down each side of the tables depends on whether you use the chairs with arms. The guidance below is based on dining chairs without arms, if you wish to have dining chairs with arms then assume one less chair per side. 1.5m table = 6 seater. Two chairs on each side and one at each end. 1.8m table = 8 seater. Three chairs on each side and one at each end. 2.1m table = 10 seater. Four chairs on each side and one at each end. 2.5m table = 12 seater. Five chairs on each side and one at each end. |
We love a great idea... |
| Joanna Rogers | Monday 12th of November 2007 04:38 PM |
| When space is limited products with multiple uses really come into their own. Now, as I mentioned in last weeks entry we have loads of ideas on how to use your outdoor furniture for multiple purposes but one of our favourite customers has come up with a unique use for his huricane lamp that even we hadn't thought of. For those of you that haven't been into the store recently, our range of huricane lamps are glass vases that sit on a wooden base. You place your candle inside the glass vase to prevent the wind from blowing it out. So, the obvious alternative use for these is as a vase. But, not content with this - Kev is using his as a home for his Siamese fighting fish. Fighting fish prefer to live alone and they like a small tank thus the humble Huricane lamp is perfect. Thanks Kev, we'll be putting this idea to use ourselves!! To see the Huricane Lamps click here. For more information on Siamese fighting fish visit Aquadisiac on Bourke Street in Surry Hills...http://www.aquadisiacstore.com.au |
A flexible outdoor furniture option |
| Joanna Rogers | Thursday 1st of November 2007 11:07 AM |
| In working with some our design customers recently - we have had to come up with a number of ways to combine individual pieces to get maximum outdoor use, particularly with their limited space. A classic example was a long thin balcony we recently furnished. A table and four chairs could be squeezed on but it was difficult to move around when they were not being used. Our solution to this was a square plantation table, two dining chairs with arms, two dining chairs without arms and a coffee table. This allowed the customer to have a table and two chairs to regularly use. They could also place the two dining chairs with arms further along the balcony with their coffee table. If they had four to dinner, they could bring the two additional chairs along to the table. This solution allowed our customer to make maximum use of all pieces of furniture - Regularly having dinner for two, but also enjoying a coffee or glass of wine in a more casual setting further along their balcony. To see the plantation range we used click here When you have a smaller space it's important to make sure you are getting maximum use and enjoyment, from that space. We have loads of other ideas on how to combine the various elements of our urban plantation range to suit you, your lifestyle and your balcony. Call into the shop and have a chat to us about how you want to use your balcony and we'll help you come up with a combination of outdoor furniture that allows you to get the most out of it. |
Expanded Light Weight Range |
| Joanna Rogers | Thursday 25th of October 2007 11:50 AM |
| The new seasons range of Litex planters has arrived. The expanded range of shapes and sizes gives you lots of flexibility to create an amazing balcony garden without breaking your back. We're expecting the Mega Cone and Tall Square's to be popular and I can't recommend the Euro Trough enough. Its combination of ample planting space and a relatively small footprint make it perfect for balconies. For more info, and pictures, take a look at the Light Weight section in the Pots and Planters category click here The Litex range is made from a fibreglass/clay mix available in either grey or dune. It is a waterproof product hence it won't absorb any of the precious water intended for your plants. They also have good sized drainage holes in the base. |
Do I need plants to create a balcony garden? |
| Joanna Rogers | Friday 19th of October 2007 11:28 AM |
| An interesting question, posed recently by one of our design clients. Not if you don't want to is the answer. Typically we expect a balcony garden to include plants but there is such a great range of outdoor products now that you can create an outdoor room without using plants. Consider using products like our Atantis range of pots. The Samos and Corfu are interesting enough as items that you really don't need to add anything. Or fill one with our range of natural dried twisty vines to create height and drama. For those bare balcony walls we have natural willow panels or fibreglass wall plaques - both of which are as interesting as a plant, without the maintenance. The trick to creating a relaxing, tranquil balcony garden without adding plants is to select products that are earthy, natural or soft. So go for timber furniture rather than glass and stainless steel, chose pots such as the Atlantis range over Terrazzo and add textiles where you can. |
Beach Chairs are Back for Summer |
| Joanna Rogers | Friday 12th of October 2007 11:23 AM |
| Hugely popular last year, these great little chairs are ideal for the beach. They fold nice and flat and are lightweight and easy to carry so perfect for the outdoor cinema or picnics in the park. Great new colours in this seasons range with everyone's favourite candy stripe still available. Follow the link on the homepage for more information. Or take a look under 'Casual, Lounge and Pod Chairs' within the 'Balcony Furniture' section. |
Funky New Hour Glass Stools |
| Joanna Rogers | Friday 5th of October 2007 10:16 AM |
| Perfect for super small balconies these great little stools can stack away in the corner when not in use. Alternatively they make a great little side table, or flip them upside down and you can use them as a planter. The options are endless. Available in charcoal or grey. Check out the Casual, Lounge and Pod Chairs section under Balcony Furniture for more information. |
New on Crown - Skunkfunk |
| Joanna Rogers | Thursday 2nd of August 2007 01:01 PM |
| Just opened this week Skunkfunk is definately a store worth checking out. Mens and Womens fashion with a very European feel. Skunkfunk is a Spanish brand who's funky, fresh approach to fashion is encompassed in all their designs. Find out more from their website (www.skunkfunk.com) or visit the Crown St store. You'll find them a 485 Crown St, right next to O Organics Cafe. |
In The Press |
| Warren Rogers | Saturday 7th of July 2007 03:42 PM |
| One of our customers JJ Eastwood was recently featured in the Sydney Morning Herald on his new balcony garden created with the help of The Urban Balcony. Click here to see the article |
Come in and be inspired to transform your balcony and extend your living space. |
| Natalie Brennan | Monday 2nd of July 2007 12:06 PM |
| Does your balcony, courtyard or garden need a makeover? Are you making the most of your outdoor living space? At The Urban Balcony we are currently offering free design consultations, and have created a number of beautiful balcony designs in store to inspire and encourage every urban dweller to make the most of their outdoor space. A design consultation involves our designer coming to your home, we talk about what you want to achieve, then within a week you will receive a plan of your balcony with planting options, layout suggestions and pot alternatives all with estimated prices. All of our in store balcony designs have an example of this, so we encourage you to come in and check it out and we can answer all of your questions. Appointments are available this week; you could be enjoying your own balcony oasis by the end of the month. So come in today and discover your balcony at the urban balcony. |
For the perfect gift solution with a difference come in and see us at The Urban Balcony! |
| Natalie Brennan | Friday 29th of June 2007 12:11 PM |
| As well as helping you extend your living space and creating an absolute oasis on your balcony, The Urban Balcony offer a range of potted succulents and Bonsai that would be ideal for that house warming, birthday or thank you gift. Unlike flowers that will wilt, succulents will be a gift that lasts and with a free gift wrapping service you just can’t go wrong. If you have the time to explore our store you can create a unique gift from our extensive pot range, choose a succulent and we will pot it up for you. You will never have to tire over the perfect gift again, just come in and see us at The Urban Balcony, open Monday to Friday 10am till 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am till 5pm. |
Funky Fibreglass |
| Joanna Rogers | Thursday 21st of June 2007 06:10 PM |
| Our brand new funky fibreglass pots are enough to brighten up any balcony suffering from the winter blues. Extremely light weight, Suitable to use as either cover pots or plant straight into, making them perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Durable and long lasting theses modern and eye catching pots come in a range of sizes and colours and will transform any balcony garden without blowing your budget. |
Time to fertilise - Autumn is the time to add some controlled release fertiliser to your pot plants. |
| Joanna Rogers | Wednesday 4th of April 2007 12:50 PM |
| Fertiliser is not just for sick plants or something people with green thumbs use. Its a basic insurance policy for your plants. An application of controlled release fertiliser in spring and again in autumn is all you need to help ensure your plants remain healthy and happy. Just sprinkle the granules on the top of the soil and your job is done. The granules will release the fertiliser as you water ensuring the plant receives the nutrients as and when it needs it. |
New Arrival - Glass & Stainless Steel Outdoor Table |
| Joanna Rogers | Saturday 10th of March 2007 03:04 PM |
| An addition to our ever expanding furniture range these tables are available in a number of sizes and finishes. We currently have the 1.5m Milk Glass table in store. It looks absolutely stunning with either stainless steel bench seats or our other new arrival which is the stainless steel and PVC dining chair. Perfect for the ultra modern, minimalist balcony. Download our catalogue from the menu on the left in the Retail section for sizes, prices and photos. Or better still call in and take a look for yourself!! |
Jasminum sambac - also know as Biblical Jasmine and Grand Duke of Tuscany. |
| Joanna Rogers | Sunday 25th of February 2007 05:04 PM |
| I'm becoming more and more impressed by this beautiful Jasminum. It has georgous little white double flowers that look like miniture roses and smell absolutely devine. And, unlike most jasminum, it flowers most of the year - at least from Spring through to Autumn. The Biblical Jasminum has been a regular on the shop floor over the last year or so but I've never tried growing it myself so I decided it was time for a bit of research. At the store we keep it along the side fence on the way out to the courtyard garden. It gets plenty of light and just a little bit of sun and happily flowers in this spot. From what I have read it is a slow growing plant - this certainly isn't the case in the spot we have them. They seem to be growing before my eyes, even though they are usually only in the store for a week or so. Anyway adding to it's many features I have today discovered that it should grow, and flower, happily indoors and also the petals can be used to make jasmine tea. I'll test the indoors theory and let you know the outcome. In the meantime consider the Biblical Jasmine as a climber or as a shrub for partly shaded spots where you can enjoy the beautiful flowers. |
Diablo - now available separately!!! |
| Joanna Rogers | Saturday 24th of February 2007 02:47 PM |
| These fabulous little tables and chairs are now available as individual items rather than in a set. Think about using the table as a side table with a couple of our outdoor bean bags or stools. And as for the chairs, you can use them anywhere. They split into two parts which slide inside each other so they are remarkably compact making them a versatile, colourful addition to anyone's balcony!! Call into the store and take a look. We currently have the chairs in White, Aqua and Lime. |
Atlantis Range of Garden Pots - for a beautiful aged and natural look. |
| Joanna Rogers | Sunday 18th of February 2007 02:09 PM |
| We're continuing to expand our range of Atlantis garden pots. The classic crucible has been extremely popular so we've added the U Pot, Egg Pot and Samos Urn to the range on display at our Crown Street store. As with all of our garden pots there are many styles, shapes and sizes in the range so if you are after something different just ask and we can show you the full catalogue of styles available. |
Bonsai - Great Xmas Gift Idea |
| Joanna Rogers | Thursday 7th of December 2006 12:58 PM |
| New bonsai arrivals this week!! Beautiful Gardenia in flower, stunning 11 year old Maple, cute little Japanese Maples. From $20 - $200. The Gardenia are absolutely stunning - I have two in the courtyard and they are filling the entire courtyard with their beautiful fragrance. So if you don't have the room to grow Gardenia's but love the fragrance then a bonsai is the perfect solution. |
Just Arrived - Watering Jugs |
| Joanna Rogers | Wednesday 15th of November 2006 02:12 PM |
| Funky little watering cans perfect for small jobs. They are like a jug with a long spout and are available in lime green, bright blue or white. At $7 a pop they're a bargin We've also finally found someone who makes stylish water spray bottles, essential for ensuring long lasting flowers on your orchids. |
Want some 'me' space? |
| Joanna Rogers | Sunday 12th of November 2006 10:07 AM |
| Got a spare balcony? Why not create your own little retreat from the pressures of everyday life. Start with a comfortable place to sit (see our outdoor furniture section for some great inspiration) add some restful plants (yucca's and cacti need not apply for this position), subtle lighting and maybe even a tranquil water feature |
Magnolia Little Gem - there is a good reason why these are popular with city gardeners |
| Joanna Rogers | Saturday 11th of November 2006 12:15 PM |
| They love full sun, look great all year round and produce beautiful large white flowers throughout spring and summer. Add to that the fact that they grow well in pots, will tolerate periods of dryness once established and they don't get too big and you've got yourself the perfect balcony plant. |
Hanging Pod Chairs |
| Joanna Rogers | Friday 3rd of November 2006 04:20 PM |
| We've received more new stock than we know what to do with today but there is one piece we've been eagerly awaiting. Finally the hanging pod chair arrived. We'll put full details in the furniture section tomorrow but for today I've got to share two things about these chairs. The least amazing is that they are so relaxing, I could sit in one for hours and I'm not one for sitting anywhere for more than five minutes. But the real wonder is how easy it was to put together. Getting the cardboard off (and preventing Angus from tearing the cardboard into a thousand pieces) was the hardest bit. I had the three bits bolted together within ten minutes, and I didn't even need to fish through the dreaded tool box. The downside of getting the chair together so quickly is that I now need to go back to unpacking pots, nowhere near as much fun :-( |
Outdoor Candles |
| Joanna Rogers | Thursday 26th of October 2006 02:08 PM |
| New in today the Elume range of outdoor mosquito candles are absolutely georgous. A traditional cream candle scented with citronella, teatree and lavender essential oils they look stunning and have a fablous large flame perfect for using outdoors. I've had one buring in the courtyard garden for two hours this morning. It has a really nice large flame, which took me several attempts to blow out, and the lavender and teatree oils balance out the citronella. The citronella is still there to deter the mosquitos but you can also pick up the more pleasant scents of lavender and teatree. |
Diablo table and chairs - Adding to our growing balcony range |
| Joanna Rogers | Wednesday 18th of October 2006 08:30 AM |
| The funky Diablo sets include two folding chairs and a small table. The table is a soft matt white and the chairs come in either vibrant blue or lime green - 'the' colours of this summer season!! Accessorise with white terrazzo pots, stunning plants and one of our bright watering cans This is another product we're adding to our range that has multiple uses and is particularly suitable for small balcony gardens. |
Putting pots and plants together |
| Joanna Rogers | Monday 16th of October 2006 12:54 PM |
| So you've found a stunning pot and plant thats going to really look the business on your balcony but how do you put it together, what do you need to do, do you need to buy other 'stuff'. I get these queries every day so here's some tips on how it all works. Don't forget that we can come out and do it for you if you don't fancy it. Potting Mix - BUY THE BEST STUFF YOU CAN AFFORD - most plants need a regular potting mix but not all regular mixes are created equal. Look out for the Australian Standard ticks. These mean it is good stuff. Plants that require a speciality mix include cacti and succulents, orchids, azaleas and camellias, african violets and bonsai. For most other plants you can generally just use a regular mix. Pebbles/Rocks - great idea for putting on the top of the soil, they finish the whole thing off nicely and they also act as a mulch to prevent the soil from drying out in the sun. Pebbles are generally not necessary for putting in the base of the pot, assuming you have purchased a good quality potting mix. It is however a good idea to put a piece of fly screen or other gauze type material over the drainage hole in the base of the pot. This prevents soil from leaking out of the bottom of the pot. Saucers/Plates/Trays - SHOULD GENERALLY BE AVOIDED WITH OUTDOOR POTS - saucers full of water attract mosquitos and encourage root rot in your plants. If you must have a saucer to protect your balcony or to prevent too much water running off and into the neighbours balcony below then make sure the water either evaporates after a day or so or that you empty the saucer. Fertiliser - its a good idea to add a controlled release fertiliser when you pot you plant up. I don't generally recommend using a liquid fertiliser at this stage however a dose of Seasol (plant tonic) would be a good idea to reduce any stress the plant may be suffering from as a result of transplanting. OK, so now you have your pot, plant, potting mix, and some pebbles for the top of the pot. How do you put it all together? 1. Give your plant a good drink. Preferably stand it in a bucket of water for half an hour before you begin, the water should come half way up the outside of the plastic pot that the plant is in. This helps to ensure the root ball remains in tack when you take it out of the plastic pot. 2. Place your pot where you intend it to go - once you have added potting mix and a plant it will be a lot heavier to move so best to get it where you want it to begin with. 3. Put your piece of fly screen or gauze over the drainage hole and fill the pot with potting mix. Gently compact the soil down as you go. You only want to fill the pot with soil to the point where the plant will sit on top of it and the top of the plastic pot sits just below the top of your new pot. The best way to do this is to measure the height of the plastic pot, add 2-3cm then mark this distance down from the top of the new pot. Now fill with potting mix up to the mark and compact it down gently. 4. Remove the plant from its plastic pot. Most plants should easily slide out of their plastic pots. If you give the pot a gentle squeeze, give it a quarter turn then squeeze again that should be sufficient to loosen the pot. Now take a firm grip on the strongest part of the plant with one hand and use the other hand to slide the plastic pot off. Large plants are a little more complicated to do this with so you generally need someone to give you a hand. If the plant is firmly attached to its plastic pot then you will need to lie it on its side on a hard surface and give the plastic pot a thump, turn it a quarter turn and thump again. Keep doing this all the way around the pot. While it is still on the ground get your friend to hold the pot while you use two hands to slide the plant out of the pot. 5. Check the root system of the plant. If the roots are wrapped around the outside then gently tease them out. If you can't see many roots on the outside then just leave it alone. 6. Place your plant in the new pot and get it centred then fill around the edges with more potting mix. Again you'll need to gently compact the potting mix down as you go. As a general rule you should never plant the plant any lower than it was in its plastic pot - so you should still be able to see the same amount of trunk or stem as you did when it was in the plastic pot. 7. If you are using controlled release fertiliser then you should add this now. Give your plant a good drink of water and then add the pebbles to the top. The pebbles should sit level with the top of the pot. And thats it. |
Yucca's are a great balcony plant |
| Joanna Rogers | Sunday 15th of October 2006 10:02 AM |
| The Yucca makes a great statement plant and is perfect for virtually any city contemporary balcony. They will tolerate full sun but equally they will also cope on a balcony that doesn't get any sun so long as its reasonably light. And they will tolerate the bug bear of most high level balconies - wind. Add to this list of fabulous traits the fact that they will tolerate periods of little or no water and you have the ultimate balcony plant. Yucca's are available in a number of different cultivated 'styles' and there is a style to suit whatever size space you have. The most simple of which is the Yucca Head. This is effectively the way all Yucca's start. As the Yucca grows it produces a trunk from the base of the head. Hence you then have Yucca Cane's, the cane is the trunk of the Yucca from which the original Yucca head has been removed. The original Yucca Head has been removed and this encourages the plant to produce a number of other heads around the top of the cane. The cane's come in various sizes and also in multiples of two or three. |
Chinese Star Jasmine - Out Now!! |
| Joanna Rogers | Saturday 14th of October 2006 03:42 PM |
| The highly scented Chinese Star Jasmine is begining to burst into flower. Plant them now to enjoy these beautiful flowers right through until early summer. I would recommend starting with a semi established plant as they can be a bit slow to get established if you start with a very small plant. Once they are established they make fantastic climbers. Train them along balcony railings or up walls. |
Balcony Combo's |
| Joanna Rogers | Tuesday 3rd of October 2006 01:15 PM |
| We've started a new range of balcony pot and plant combinations to help inspire all you city dwellers looking to add some green life to your balconies. The balcony combinations include the pot, plant, potting mix and pebbles. All you need do is add the elbow grease required to put them together (kind of like flat pack but with dirt involved). Most popular at the moment has to be the Dragon Trees in white Tapered Cubes with black pebbles on the top. They have a striking modern look and look best placed in a row of three. Standing at a total height of just under 1 meter these are perfect for sunny balconies and they're a steal at $139.95 each. |
Balconies - Living Space or Utter Waste? |
| Jo Rogers | Sunday 30th of July 2006 09:05 PM |
| You wouldn’t use your living room if there was no furniture in it. Leaving your living room unfurnished is completely inconceivable – it would be a complete waste of space. Yet, judging by the number of empty balconies around Sydney this logic does not seem to apply to our outside spaces. Your balcony is additional living space and with Australias climate it is usable space for the best part of 9 months of the year. It’s utter madness to let that precious space go to waste. Sometimes is all just seems too hard. At the end of the day furnishing your balcony is no harder and is less expensive than furnishing your living room. When to start Anytime! Believe it or not winter can be the best time to start getting your balcony sorted for the summer season. Planting now allows your new plants plenty of time to get established before the summer heat. Plus you get to start using it from the very minute it’s warm enough. In fact, even in the depths of winter, there are some days when it is pleasant enough to breakfast on the balcony now. Where to start Now, where do you start? Well it’s largely the same as decorating your living room, you need to decide what you want. What will fit, what won’t, colours, style etc etc etc. Here are a few questions to think over: What are you trying to achieve? - A pleasant space to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, have dinner with friends or just to sit and read the paper on a Sunday. - A style statement with stunning feature plants - Create some privacy if your balcony is overlooked - A stunning view from inside What are your constraints? - Aspect – All day sun, morning sun, shady, windy or coastal. This will affect the type of plants that will be succesful - Maintenance – how much are you really prepared to do? Are you looking for something that will pretty much take care of itself and only requires watering every couple of weeks? Or do you want to potter about with a space that will reward you for regular watering, care and maintenance. - Budget – in the end, how much do you are willing to spend? However a small budget doesn't mean a big effect! What is your preferred ‘look’? - Do you want something modern and architectural with clean lines. Simple but stunning. - Or maybe you like the eclectic look with a mixture of different sizes of pots and types of plants. - How about a theme? Italian, Moroccan, Indonesian etc. These can be a bit naff of overdone, but simple key themes can be made to work - What about a single statement plant leaving you space for ‘living’ on your balcony. What elements do you want to fit in? - Tables & chairs, how big can you go and still be able to get on the balcony? - Plants & Pots – these can be a grand or simple - Water Features makes a great impact and hide other noise - Lighting - a subtle glow rather than flood lights? - Sculptures / wall features or climbers for bare walls - Cushions for lounging about Next Steps To get the most out of any money you spend on your outdoor space you really need to think about all of these elements. Take a look through some magazines and rip out the pictures that you really like. You’ll generally find when you look back through the pages you have ripped out that a consistent theme appears. Don’t be put off by the fact that most magazines show large gardens and courtyards that are never going to fit on your balcony. Look for elements that you like, for example it may be a collection of pots in a corner of the garden, the colour or style of pots or the types of plants used. The other useful thing to do is wander the streets armed with a camera and take pictures of anything you like the look of. Paddo and Mosman are good hunting grounds for front gardens worth a sticky beak. Need Some Help? Come in and see us, we have plenty to look at for ideas & inspiration. We’re always happy to hear about what you want to do and throw in some ideas. If you want a bit more help, make an appointment for us to come out and visit. We can discuss your ideas with you and provide you with a quote. |
I've Killed a Succulent! |
| Jo Rogers | Saturday 29th of July 2006 09:06 PM |
| Don’t Panic! You’re not the first person and you don’t necessarily have brown thumbs. The causes of death are most likely either not enough light or too much water, or even worse – both!! There are two fundamentals that you have to get right with succulents. These are light and water. The majority of varieties need plenty of light and very little water. So what does plenty of light mean? Basically anywhere outside is fine, except the dark, dingy spot in the garden that seems to be constantly wet. This wouldn’t be a good spot. Inside however is a different story. Light doesn’t mean the lights are on all the time – the light needs to be natural. And if there ain’t enough light for you to go about your daily life without turning the lights on then there ain’t enough light for succulents. Ideally succulents grown inside should be placed in a room that gets some direct sun during the day – the less sun the room receives the closer to the window you should try and place your succulent. Alternatively they can be placed close (i.e. within half a metre) to a window that doesn’t get any direct sun either because of its aspect or because the building next door blocks out any sun. Once you have found a good home for your succulents the next problem is watering. It’s difficult to set a hard and fast rule with watering. The more light and heat the plant is exposed to the more it will dry out and therefore the more water it will require. However I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest a general rule: Summer – once per week Spring and Autumn – once every two weeks Winter – once every three or four weeks. Now if your succulent is in a very bright, warm, sunny spot then even in winter you’ll probably need to water once every two weeks and conversely if you’ve opted to place it where it doesn’t get any direct sun then you’ll probably find that even in summer you don’t need to water any more often than once every two weeks. Now that you know how regularly to water the next question has to be how much water should you give your succulents at each watering. This depends entirely on the size of the plant. For smaller succulents in the small cube shaped pots approximately half a cup should be plenty. You want to give it just enough water to wet the soil but not so much that you get a lot of water sitting in the saucer. One or two drops of water in the saucer is ideal. If the saucer is full of water then empty it immediately and reduce the amount of water next time. Finally, one last rule on watering – try and avoid getting too much water on the leaves of the succulent when watering and only water in the morning so that any water on the leaves gets a chance to dry out. Signs of Distress Squishy, floppy and either brown or yellow leaves generally means the succulent is rotting due to either insufficient light or too much water, or both Conversely brown crunchy or shrivelled leaves means that it needs a bit more water. You may notice this as the weather warms up in summer. Just increase the frequency of watering. Generally they can’t get too much light. Little persistent bugs hanging around your succulent? A good spray with some Pyrethrum should sort them out. Fertiliser To encourage good health and strong growth fertiliser is essential for virtually all plants and succulents are no different. If you already have an all purpose liquid fertiliser that you are using on your other plants then just dilute it to half strength and apply to your succulents during spring and summer. Alternatively there are specific fertilisers for Cacti and Succulents. A monthly application is sufficient. Exceptions to the rule Unless you are a bit of plant enthusiast then I would suggest sticking to the basic rules, bearing in mind the common signs of distress. However if you’re feeling a bit adventurous and have a duller spot that you’d like to put a succulent in then there are a couple of varieties that might be up to the challenge. Good choices would include the Crassula argentea, commonly known as the Jade plant, or the Haworthia fasciata is another good choice. |
Plants For Bathrooms |
| Jo Rogers | Sunday 20th of November 2005 09:04 PM |
 The environment in your bathroom is usually different from the rest of your house. Most bathrooms ar more humid and warmer which makes it possible to grow a number of plants that would struggle in your living room. There are your usual staples including Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum raddianum), Birds nest ferns (Asplenium nidus) and cushions of baby’s tears (Soleirolia soleirolii). If you think ferns are something your nan grows, here are a few other different and interesting options; Hyacinth – their smell evokes expensive floral soap which is perfect for the bathroom. Miniature Bulrush – planted in glass pots filled with pebbles will give a distinctly coastal feeling to the bathroom. Spreading Club Moss – planted in small pots the spreading club moss can add softness to even the smallest bathroom. African Violets – enjoy the conditions offered by bathrooms and add a splash of colour. |
Caring For Bonsai |
| Jo Rogers | Monday 31st of October 2005 09:59 PM |
| We often get asked for some simple tips on caring for Bonsai so below you will find a short guide to looking after your bonsai. Where should I put my Bonsai? Bonsai should be place outside in a position suited to the type of tree you have. Juniper will tolerate full sun while deciduous trees such as Maples, Elms and Figs should be place in a position where they will get some shade from the afternoon sun. Your Bonsai should spend the majority of its time outdoors. They will however be happy on display inside for a short period (up to one week).  What about Watering and Feeding? The Bonsai pot is generally very small and as such the roots of your Bonsai have very little soil around them to retain moisture and nutrients. This means regular watering and feeding is a must. Keep an eye on the soil and moss on the top of the top as this will help you decide when to water. Bonsai should be kept moist at all times however you need to take care not to over water as this can also be damaging. If the soil is damp to the touch then there is no need to water however if it is starting to look dry then it is time to give your little tree a watering. In the summer you will need to check your Bonsai daily as it will dry out very quickly. It is best to use a watering can as pouring water onto your Bonsai will disturb the soil and dislodge the pebbles on the top. As a general guide fertiliser should be applied every other week. An all purpose soluble fertilizer is sufficient and should be applied as part of your regular watering. Regardless of the type of fertilizer you apply it should always be applied in accordance with the manufactures instructions. Never overfeed your Bonsai as this has the potential to burn the roots and potentially lead to the death of your plant. |
Water Restrictions In Sydney |
| Jo Rogers | Tuesday 20th of September 2005 09:02 PM |
 Due to low dam levels, water restrictions are currently in place in Sydney. Theres often a bit of confusion about what you can and can't do, so to clear it up, the following rules apply:Hand-held hosing of lawns and gardens and drip irrigation is now allowed only on Wednesdays and Sundays before 10 am and after 4 pm At all other times, you may use a bucket or watering can to water lawns and gardens. Full details and the latest updates can be found on the Sydney Water Website: http://www.sydneywater.com.au |
Caring For Orchids |
| Jo Rogers | Friday 2nd of September 2005 09:03 PM |
| Orchids are now widely available and relatively inexpensive however they are often considered to be a bit delicate and difficult to look after. This is not necessarily the case. If you are prepared to follow a few simple guidelines you will be rewarded by an orchid that continues to flourish and flower season after season. There are three main varieties of Orchid typically found on sale at Lily Moon and other garden centres or florists: Cymbidium - they have large bulbous growths at the base of the plant and long strap like leaves. Phalaenopsis - these have several thick green leaves at the base of the plant and a single long flowering steam Dendrobium (Australian) - these have narrow, oval leaves spread along a soft cane. The flowers are produced in late winter and spring from stems at the top of the canes. The treatment for each is fairly similar with only a few exceptions as noted below: Preferred Location  For Cymbidiums a covered, north facing veranda or patio is ideal. Alternatively they can be placed under deciduous trees or lightly shaded trees. However beware of placing your orchid in a position that is too shady. If your orchid is growing lush green leaves and few flowers this generally indicates they are not receiving sufficient sunlight. Ideally try and raise the orchid pot off the ground on a brick or upturned pot or something similar. This increases airflow through and around the pot and keeps slugs and snails at bay. During flowering your Cymbidium can be brought inside and placed in a position with filtered light but not direct sunlight. Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids can be grown as indoor plants although a spell outside in a warm sheltered position would be good between flowering. Neither variety should be placed in full sun. Phalaenopsis prefer to be placed over a tray of water to create humidity. One way to achieve this is by leaving you orchid in its plastic pot and placing this inside a slightly larger ceramic, or other decorative pot, with a saucer. The base of the ceramic pot should be filled with pebbles. The water that runs through the pot after watering will remain in the saucer. The pebbles raise the plastic pot up so that the orchid roots are not standing in the water allowing the plant to benefit from the humidity created without damaging the roots. Watering All three varieties require watering all year round and will suffer if left to dry out for long periods. It is ideal to keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. In summer this means watering at least 2 - 3 times per week and potentially daily in the hottest months. In winter watering once a week is generally sufficient. Fertilising All varieties, particularly Cymbidiums, require regular feeding. There are specific orchid fertilisers available or you can use an all purpose fertiliser at half strength. It is generally advisable to apply a weak solution regularly - little and often is preferable as overdosing on fertiliser will only upset the balance of growing conditions. Dendrobiums differ slightly here in that they do not require as much fertiliser. As a general rule for Cymbidiums and Phalaenopsis fertilise once a fortnight and for Dendrobiums once a month and not at all in winter. Potting The potting medium used for orchids must drain freely allowing air to move around the roots of the plant. Never, ever use regular potting mix or garden soil to pot your orchids. Specific potting mix, generally referred to as orchid bark, is available. This provides for air spaces between the bark pieces that, if watered regularly, remain damp but not wet. Flowering and After Flowering Care To prolong the life of orchid flowers mist the petals lightly. This should be done daily or every second day. Also ensure you continue regular watering. Once your orchid has finished flowering cut the flowering stem back to approximately 3 - 5 cm from where it joins the plant. If the plant has been inside then move it outside to a position mentioned in the preferred location section above. |