By Clodagh and Dick Handscombe, Practical gardeners and authors in Spain for twenty five years.
Although it is plants that many people think of first in developing their apartment terraces as delightful open air living spaces there are other options and things that can complement for both full time and holiday residents. The possibilities are vividly illustrated in Part Three of our latest book ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’. We outline twelve below.
1. The installation of colourful blinds and awnings is an immediate transformation and ensures a more enjoyable temperature than direct sunlight throughout the day for both the family and plants.
2. Water features can be installed on the smallest terraces. The sound of dripping water and sight of fish if space for a pond can be fascinating, restful and stimulating.
3. Subtle lighting around the water feature and between plants can add magic effects at night..
4. Few will have the space for a roof terrace swimming pool but portable Jacuzzis taking up only one square metre are of space are now available.
5. Many terraces are long and narrow. Screening hedging plants can be planted up in troughs or planters on casters to move in front of the storage and drying end and for rolling in front of railings for privacy for mealtimes and sunbathing sessions.
6. Furniture should not be forgotten. Comfort is essential. Check out all seats and loungers before buying them . Most seem not to be designed for the comfort of the average shaped persons. Chose colours that blend in with the rest of the features.
7. If you want to make the terrace seem larger place wall to ceiling mirrors or painted murals on end walls. The one shown only took two hours to paint. The effect was immediate especially when even only one window box was hung on the railings.
8. Wall tiles especially a metre of Moorish type wall tiles can create a very special terrace space.
9. Thinking of ceramics collections and isolated specimen pots and plates can look good and be built up in memory of each summer visit.
10. If you have an open terrace a gazebo covered with an attractive awning with colourful climbers trained up the corner pots is a must.
11. If you are permanent residents or Christmas visitors infrared column heaters are now available. The most expensive even having piped music build into the unit.
12. Running out of space and must go and complete the putting together of our solar cooker kit. Sold by
www.alsol.es they take up little space on a terrace or in a small garden.
Many more ideas for your summer and year round terraces will be found in ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’ obtainable for convenience by mail order from Santana Books, Bookworld and Amazon etc..
