Hi @lauren718,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.
An east-facing balcony in Melbourne is a lovely gardening space because it receives gentle morning sun and then shifts into shade for the rest of the day. This type of light is ideal for a wide range of plants, especially those that prefer part sun or filtered light rather than the harsh heat of the afternoon. Since your balcony has no rain coverage, it’s important to choose plants that are relatively hardy, forgiving, and suitable for pot life. With the right selections, you can create a lush, colourful garden that is also beginner-friendly.
You might like to start by checking out How To Create A Balcony Garden and How To Create A Balcony Or Courtyard Garden, which provide some fantastic advice on your particular situation.
There are many plant options for your light levels. For flowers and colour, hydrangeas, begonias, fuschias, and impatiens will thrive with morning sun and afternoon shade. For lush greenery, liriope, lomandra, and small shade-tolerant palms like the chamaedorea elegans are excellent low-maintenance choices. If you’d like a little height or screening, strelitzias can add structure while tolerating your conditions.
When choosing pots for your balcony garden, balance practicality with aesthetics. Lightweight materials such as fibreglass, resin, or plastic are easier to move around and reduce the weight load on your balcony, while ceramic and terracotta offer a classic look but can be heavy and may dry out more quickly. Make sure every pot has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, and consider self-watering designs or adding saucers to catch excess water since your space has no rain coverage. Dark-coloured pots can heat up quickly in the sun, so lighter shades are often better for protecting plant roots. Finally, think about size — larger pots retain moisture longer and give roots room to grow, which makes plant care much easier for beginners.
Choose a premium potting mix such as Scotts Osmocote Premium Plus Superior Potting Mix for healthy balcony plants, as it provides nutrients, good drainage, and moisture control.
You might also like to consider grabbing a pot plant stand. They help create layers, making small spaces feel fuller and more dynamic, and can also protect delicate plants from pests or water pooling.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
