YOUR CHALLENGE:

Did you know that there are more than 40,000,000 square feet of balconies across Miami-Dade County? Beyond being a big number, these underused spaces represent a new frontier for expanding green space in our increasingly urban environment. As cities grow and available land becomes harder to find, development often moves skyward, leaving less room for plants and natural habitats. Many balconies, however, remain empty and overlooked. Transforming them into thriving mini gardens could help cool our city, support mental well-being, and provide valuable food and habitat for native birds, butterflies, and other important insects. Although harsh sunlight, strong winds, and limited space can make balcony gardening challenging, thoughtful and innovative designs could unlock their potential.

Through Fairchild’s new Million Balconies Project and the annual Miami, My Garden Challenge, you will design a balcony garden to help inspire developers and residents to transform their unused spaces. Before designing your balcony garden, imagine the specific balcony where your plant will grow. Consider how height, wind exposure, direction and strength of incoming sunlight, shade, and available space might affect plant growth. A balcony on the 12th floor of a condo may experience strong winds, while a second-floor balcony may only receive light breezes. An east-facing or west-facing balcony may get intense sunlight during part of the day, while a north-facing or south-facing balcony may receive more diffused light. Just as every garden site has unique growing conditions, balconies require thoughtful planning so plants can thrive. 

Use any physical or digital medium to create a 2D rendering of a balcony garden that incorporates plants in innovative ways. Think of ways to garden vertically using plants that can thrive in non-traditional spaces while considering the challenges that balcony gardens face. Write a 300-500 word description of your design that describes the environmental conditions of your balcony garden and at least two strategies that overcome environmental challenges of the balcony space and identifies your design’s unique features. Share what benefits the balcony garden provides to better its homeowner and community.

CHALLENGE RESOURCES:

• Sunlight Calculator
• Balcony Garden Guide
• USDA Hardiness Map
• Enviroscaping – UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life (ufl.edu)
• Singapore – A City in a Garden
• Fairchild’s City in a Garden Standards
• Fairchild’s Tropical Desert Patio