Comment by Melia B on August 2, 2011 at 16:56: We are on the west side and doing well with courgettes, too many tomatoes, some salad varieties, potatoes, peas, scotch bonnet chilies, various herbs, kale & sea kale, lemon grass and some miniature corn (which is usually easy, but not doing so well this year). Oh and some nice lavender when ice cream calls for it. If we can't eat it, we don't grow it! Dwarf varieties are ideal on the balconies, but most things we have grown seem to be absorbing the abundant light we so enjoy.

Comment by Victor W on August 2, 2011 at 16:26: We've got fake flowers.

They don't die when you're on vacation (or via neglect) and they stay radiant all year round.

What's not to love?!?!?!?

Comment by Nick Lee on August 2, 2011 at 15:35: I'm on the 14th floor facing west and through trial and (lots of) error have come to the perhaps rather boring conclusion that the only things that last are geraniums. Bonus too that they'll survive not being watered for a couple of weeks in the event of holidays.

Comment by sophie on August 2, 2011 at 15:13: Geraniums, ivy, honeysuckle and generously watered bamboo all seem to be working for me on balcony of Great Arthur. (In winter it may be an idea to bring some of them in). I also grow sorrel and peppers out there too. I had some tomatoes out there too - but have brought them into my flat as the wind was whipping them around too much. On the plus side: I find that my west-facing flat functions much like a hothouse/greenhouse and have given over a generous amount of space to various veggies and plants....a good substitute for the windy balcony, I think...!

Comment by Lucy Pickering on August 2, 2011 at 9:40: I have the same problem - everything I put on the balcony dies! Usually it gets some form of bug infestation - I've had leafhoppers, aphids, scab, rosemary beetle, some mystery caterpillers... I'm always surprised by this, as you would think the wind would keep them away.

I've tried all the usual 'unkillable' suspects - Ivy, aloe vera, rosemary - about the only thing that has worked is mint. I might give bamboo a go. Any other suggestions welcome!

Comment by Maria Elizabeth Prior on August 1, 2011 at 23:35: Eliot, I have so many plants where I am, it takes about 2 hours to water them if we have hot, sunny days, like today!!! Ha!Ha!

Comment by Eliot Stock on August 1, 2011 at 23:33: Thanks Maria, will do. Might have to get one of those drip attachments for the hose.

Comment by Maria Elizabeth Prior on August 1, 2011 at 23:31: Hi Eliot,

Have to say that only watering your plants every second or third day, when you have a sunny and windy location isn't enough at this time of year. Also, as was suggested to you, try geraniums. They are quite forgiving if not watered regularly! With time and practise, you will achieve results!!!

Comment by Eliot Stock on August 1, 2011 at 22:50: That'd be most helpful, thanks! Forgive my ignorance, but where are the allotments exactly?

Comment by Paul Lincoln on August 1, 2011 at 22:48: If you are around at the weekend, come to the allotments and my partner who knows about horticulture will be happy to discuss in more detail.

Comment by Eliot Stock on August 1, 2011 at 22:45: Tried a bamboo, but never geraniums or aloe vera. Will grab some. Thanks!

Comment by Paul Lincoln on August 1, 2011 at 22:44: Have you tried geraniums? Try grasses like bamboo. Also aloe vera is quite hardy.

Comment by Eliot Stock on August 1, 2011 at 22:42: Thanks Maria.

I bought six ivies and three have died, so maybe the other three will survive, but they're not growing. I wanted them to be racing up the trellis by now. They've been there about three months.

My balcony gets plenty of mid to late afternoon sun and yes, the planter's on the built in shelf thing we all have, not the floor, so a bit more exposed to both sun and wind. Haven't really had a good look around to see what's growing well on neighbours' balconies, so I'll do that. Difficult to see, though, hence the post.

Could just need loads more watering. It gets some about every second or third day at the moment.

Comment by Maria Elizabeth Prior on August 1, 2011 at 22:32: Hi Eliot.

Am sorry to hear about your plant problems. I am surprised even ivy has died, as they are quite tough. I have loads of plants in various positions, as they all have individual needs. Some time ago, I tried growing ivy in a fairly dark corner, that was windy, especially in winter! I tried again last year, and success this time! However, I have 2 identical ivies in one pot, and one is thriving and the other is dying!!! Sounds crazy, doesn't it? Sometimes, it's the individual plant that may be the problem, and not the species!!

How much sun do you get on your balcony on sunny days, and is your planter on the balcony floor, or higher up, as your post implies? Also, do you know what successes your neighbours have with their plants? Something will grow happily, but we have to find out what that may be. Get back to me, and I'll try and put my 'thinking cap' on!!!!

Maria.

Comment by Eliot Stock on August 1, 2011 at 20:09: Hi Gardeners,

Has anyone any advice for what to grow on a balcony half way up Great Arthur House (west side)? It's often pretty windy up here and everything I've put in so far has died. I've got a planter box on the shelf about 25cms deep. Have tried bamboo and ivy. Both dead.

Cheers,

Eliot

Comment by Patricia O'Connor on July 18, 2011 at 21:31: Hi

Any use to anyone? Please contact Flora on Freecycle direct -

it's free.

flora_hus@yahoo.com

We have around 20 bags of top soil available for pick-up.

Regards.

Patricia

Comment by Elizabeth Jobey on July 18, 2011 at 13:20: I would like to apply for one of the allotment bags outside Basterfield House. Please could you let me know who to contact so that I could add my name to the waiting list. Many thanks.

Comment by Maria Elizabeth Prior on July 13, 2011 at 0:15: Hello!

I attended the meeting on Tuesday, about the future possible uses of the open spaces on the Estate, and the subject of the allotments was raised. People were informed they could add their names to the waiting list. On reflection, I wish I had done so at the time, as my partner, who grew vegetables years ago, has recently suffered a stroke, and I thought it would be great therapy for him in the future. He is keen, so I would like to ask if I may add my name to the waiting list?

Many thanks!!

Comment by Julie Cuthbert on June 27, 2011 at 9:45: There seems to be a vigilante gardener on the 3rd floor at Crescent House. While it is wonderful that there is obviously someone who is passionate about gardening and cannot bear to see distressed plants, a small note through the door asking if I minded and clearing up afterwards would have been great. Apparently I am not the only 'victim'. But it did galvanize me into have a good sort out and buying some new plants and herbs, so hopefully the secret gardener is happy now.