A Guide to Creating a Winter Garden

People are divided into two groups: those who see winter as a season to be endured, and those who look forward to it eagerly… Whether you get along with the cold or not, the peace of watching snowfall from the inside is undeniable. The most beautiful place to do this, without a doubt, is a winter garden you've prepared with your own hands and to your own taste. When we say 'winter garden', don't picture a huge space in your mind. If you really fall into the second category—meaning you can't wait for winter—all you need to turn your balcony into a winter garden is just a few small touches.

Plants

Small or large, it doesn't matter—a garden can't be imagined without plants. So, what potted plants will bring a garden atmosphere and survive in both closed and open spaces? Our first recommendation is the Schefflera plant. Very easy to care for and grow, this plant doesn't need direct sunlight. Room temperature is enough for it. That's why it's very suitable for glass-enclosed winter gardens. You can place several Schefflera plants depending on the size of your garden or balcony. Other plants suitable for a winter garden include various Ficus types and Dracaena.

The Warmth of Wood and Harmony with Wrought Iron

One of the most effective ways to warm up a space is by making use of wood. You can cover the floor of your balcony with aged wood flooring, make a bench from sturdy fruit crates or pallets, or choose an unvarnished wooden table and chairs. A wrought iron side table and the lighting accessories you'll place on it will be the most special pieces you can combine with wood. Colorful cushions, a woolen shawl or blanket always in a corner, and soft pillows will be enough to extend the hours you spend here.

Lighting

Winter gardens aren't expected to be too bright. Dim garden lighting that doesn't tire you out, rests your soul, but is effective enough to let you read a book is ideal. For this, you can make use of candles, oil lamps, or small string lights.

Accessories

If your goal in turning your balcony into a winter garden is to find peace here, you should stay away from any accessory that will tire your eyes and create excess. The best accessories to blend with the atmosphere you create will be wicker baskets. You can use these baskets to hold magazines or newspapers, to plant flowers, or to hold your pillows. Choosing their color to match the wood you use in the space is very important. Of course, matching here doesn't mean the same color. On a soft backdrop, bursts of color will tire the eye, so creating a soft transition is important.

Fabrics

Using pastel tones for the upholstery fabrics you'll use on the cushions of your chairs and bench, the cloth you'll spread on your table, or your pillows will complete the whole you've created. Grays, burgundies, beiges, earth tones, and barely-there minimal patterns over them will help you create the atmosphere you want. Additionally, throw pillows with ethnic patterns can help give the space character.