Pot look for mum

Five years ago my mother moved from a semi-detached house in the suburbs to an apartment complex near the city. At home she'd had front and back gardens. Now she's very happily downsized to a smallish balcony high up, south facing with open skies and views to hills beyond.

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The chore of gardening is gone but she still has the desire to have something nice. Previously I've planted up pots of colour but there’s nothing sadder than gazing out on these when the growing months are over.

So I decided in anticipation of Mother's Day that a balcony makeover was in order.

First, if you're thinking of doing this make sure that the structure you are placing a garden on can take it. You may have to ask for a survey-or's help. Mum's is a relatively new build and the whole complex has been designed for outdoor living on every level. I gathered a collection of pots, a motley crew of stuff I had in the garage, old terracotta beauties and a couple of new ones. I got 16 bags of peat free compost and took myself off to the garden centre. This is where I decided on making a change from the last planting.