A Reddit user is celebrating the summer solstice with a balcony garden that's now thriving with plants for a second year.
Reddit users shared their success stories in the r/NativePlantGardening community, showcasing a variety of native plants that have not only survived but thrived in containers.
Photo credit: Reddit
Photo credit: Reddit
The post read: “Second year of native plants on the balcony. This is my second year of container gardening with native plants on my balcony. Most of the plants have survived a very mild winter.”
The accompanying photo shows a balcony filled with lush greenery, including tall potted plants and stretching vines.
The Reddit user's garden is home to an impressive selection of native plants, including coral honeysuckle, which is already blooming, and black raspberries, which have been consistently producing lots of fruit for two weeks at the time of posting.
The gardener plans to cut back the fruit-bearing branches once they are done, allowing more sunlight to reach the branches growing below.
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Planting native plants in your garden, balcony or other outdoor spaces has many benefits for both your wallet and the environment. Native species are adapted to the local environment and require less water, fertilizer and maintenance than non-native plants.
That means less money on your water bills and more time enjoying your garden, with less time spent tending to it.
Additionally, native plants create healthier ecosystems for pollinators, who play a vital role in protecting our food supply. Even if you don't have a yard, container gardening with native plants can provide valuable habitat for bees, butterflies, and other important insects that help crops grow healthy.
Other Reddit users were quick to praise the balcony gardener's efforts.
One commenter wrote: “Congratulations! Growing native plants in containers takes a whole other level of commitment. Looks like it's brightening up your balcony! Enjoy.”
Others offered simple but enthusiastic responses like, “Amazing!!!” and “Yay! You did it!”
This Reddit user's vibrant balcony garden is a source of inspiration for anyone looking to create a more sustainable, eco-friendly outdoor space. By incorporating native plants, even in small containers, we can create a healthier planet while enjoying the beauty of nature right outside our homes.
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