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Balcony Garden Update, May 2025

The Mission:

This is the third year I've chosen a native rush to fill the planter boxes that line my west-facing 13th floor balcony.  Grass seems to be a good plant for the balcony (or a rush in this case, it is not technically a grass) because it visually softens the concrete and metal edges of the balcony. Few other traditional annual plant species tolerate deep shade for most of the morning, followed by intense afternoon sun, and constant wind. Plants that have medium to large leaves (e.g. tomatoes) get shredded by the wind. Grasses and rush grasses will tolerate wind, heat, and some degree of drought.

The Plant:

Juncus inflexus, commonly known as blue arrow rush. It grows to a height of about 24 inches in the 5-gallon planter bags (but would likely grow higher, to 36 inches, if planted in the ground). Native to northern Europe and Asia, Juncus is also considered native to eastern North America.

Although its seed heads are small and indistinct, the blades have a muted blue-green color during the growing season, turn reddish in the autumn, and light tan through the winter months. During the winter, they are especially attractive when covered with snow.

Juncus typically grows near boggy soil, but it also seems relatively drought-tolerant on my hot and windy balcony. During the growing season, I tend to use 6 gallons of water each time I water them (24 grow-bags each with three plants). In the past, I've found they need water two or three times per week. However, if they get rain, I'm able to water them less frequently.

The Technique:

For specific details on how I fill the planter boxes, see my prior posts on this topic. This year, I chose to reuse the planter bags from the previous year. The plants had dried over the winter, allowing the bags to be easily removed from the boxes, and the shriveled roots separated from the planter bag fabric without too much effort.

The Price:

Let's be honest, this mission is not inexpensive. The planters can easily accommodate 72 plants, each priced at about $13. Add on the price of the potting soil, 4-5 bags, and the total price starts to rise over $1000. It wouldn't be so bad if they would survive the winter, but their roots freeze solid up on this balcony. If I want the greenery, I have to accept that they are annual plants.

Last year, the supplier gave me the discounted price they give to most contractors, at $8 per pot. But this year, the salesperson refused to give me the contractor's discount. Grrrr... especially since I bought 72 plants!

Further adding to the price is the cost of driving 20 miles to the garden center, a 40-mile round trip. I had to make the trip twice to fit all 72 plants in my little hatchback car.

And finally, the amount of waste is embarrassing. I'm sad there's no way I've found to recycle the spent nursery pots.

Is It Worth It?

I understand that for many people the price wouldn't be worth the effort or the result. But for me, yes, it is worth it. I love seeing the color and movement out on my patio all year long. The planters can be viewed from most rooms of my apartment, bringing a bit of the outside indoors. I no longer have a backyard garden to play with, so this collection of planters is mine to spoil.

The scene, caught midway through planting

The set up: I've found kneeling on a pad easier than standing at a bench.



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