balcony bliss

this year is the first time i see the plants in the pots on my balcony awaken into spring. 

last year there weren't any, as i hadn't really gotten the place ready yet, and only after the boys made it cat-safe in April had i put thought into what could grow here, what would look pretty, and what could be eaten. i had sown seeds for tomatoes {hopeful...} and Zinnia, and a few pumpkins went into a pot, just to see what would happen and get some green going. i also found a Japanese maple that could work in a pot, and some Hydrangeas {hortensias in Dutch} and a ridiculously expensive small bamboo plant, and loads of different Fuchsias, as well as Geraniums passed on by my mum. 

by mid-summer it was looking glorious!! even the heatwave did it's worst without much in the way of casualties. well, one Fuchsia wasn't too happy and almost died, but that was really it. i was delighted... slightly disappointed by the yield of my tomato plant {three...}, and in giggles over the produce of the pumpkin - one whole tiny weenie one, the size of a cherry... i also tried my hand at Rucola {was okay} and Coriander {meh}, so i guess i'm having to rethink my edibles. 

but the first inklings of a whole new life-cycle is already making itself known. my Hydrangeas are sprouting leaves, the maple is awakening, as is the small beech tree, and the bamboo is having tonnes of new shoots!! some plants that i hadn't cleared up yet {i'm a very lazy gardener} are showing signs of life {yay!!} and my hands are getting quite itchy. 

i'll be looking into herbs to grow, soon, and some things i can eat, so ideas are very welcome!! 

meanwhile, this is last year's heaven: