Balcony plants

Good balcony plants include geraniums, petunias, marigolds, lavender, herbs, plus ornamental grasses and dwarf shrubs. The choice depends mainly on sunlight — in sun grow sun-lovers, in shade hostas, fuchsias and impatiens. In the atlas they're gathered by the "balcony" use.

For a shady, north-facing balcony choose shade-lovers: fuchsias, impatiens, hostas, begonias, ferns and ivy. They tolerate the lack of direct sun and give greenery and flowers even in a cooler spot. Avoid sun-lovers like geraniums or lavender, which flower poorly in shade.

Perennials and shrubs in pots are more frost-prone than in the ground, because the root ball freezes from every side. Wrap the pots in fleece or jute, place them against a wall and lift them off the cold floor. Move tender plants into a bright, cool room for the winter.