Question
I just moved into a condo in Boston that has a terrace that is about 7feet by 15 feet.  It faces the south so there is not a great deal of sunshine. In addition the railing is wood that encloses the entire terrace so very little sunlight hits the floor of the terrace.  I have a bistro table and 2 chairs on the deck and plan to add a small grill. I would like to add plants to the terrace and would like some suggestions with respect to suitable flowers, planters, boxes etc. I am not adverse to hanging pots or even attaching pots to the wall. I would like it to be as colorful as possible, variable as possible without looking like a jungle.  I was thinking about some "window" boxes on the railing facing out maybe different ones facing in, but thats about all i could come up with.  I know this a general type question but perhaps you could give me an idea or recommend someone locally who could lay this out for me

Thanks'
Philip Duva

Answer
I was curious about the terrace facing south, and yet there is no sun coming from the south. Do you have a building shading it? As the sun moves with the seasons, does the terrace ever have sun on it?
To design a display of plants, start with a theme that will tie everything are together. This theme will be in the furnishings, the planters and pots, the flower choices and the colors. Whether it be ethnic, modern, country, or maybe gothic. With a bistro table, it sounds like French or Italian. What ever it is, follow the pattern.
Look for good examples in magazines and books. There are many good ones.
Check with your nursery for good plants for shade. Impatients are my favorite, but there are many that would do well. Fushias are good for hanging pots in the shade.

Watering is a key problem on terraces, because the plants need to be thoroughly watered, but the water will run every where if not contained. But the pot should not sit in water either. The drain pans will need to be emptied.

Window boxes will need to be fastened down well, and again the watering will be a problem. But they are beautiful with bacopa hanging over the side, and lamium, begonias, and coleus mixed together.

bakerplanter