Pictured above: Ady Dayman

Blueprint, the developer behind Phoenix Square in Leicester's cultural quarter, has teamed up with local TV gardener Ady Dayman to show apartment owners how to make the most of their balcony space this summer to create their very own urban allotment.

According to Ady Dayman, a balcony is the ideal space for green-fingered apartment owners to grow, cultivate and nurture ornamental and edible plants. "Balconies are often very sheltered spaces, so apartment owners get to try different plants that don't necessarily work in open gardens," Ady explained. "The main aim is to have fun making the most of your outdoor space and experimenting with what will grow best. You certainly don't need a lot of space to create a beautiful green oasis overlooking the city's skyline.

"Apartment owners can really be creative when planning their balcony garden. For example, absolutely anything can be used as a planter from a disused watering can to an old pair of boots, or even a traditional terracotta pot.  Simply ensure there are plenty of drainage holes for excess water to escape from and fill with good multipurpose compost. Maximise your space by filling window boxes with bedding and these will create a bright, eye-catching feature. Plants with silvery or furry foliage are perfect for those who want a 'low maintenance' scheme, as they are extremely tolerant to drought and don't need too much watering."

Leicester homebuyers looking for a stylish, contemporary apartment with space to cultivate their very own balcony garden should look no further than the award-winning Phoenix Square development. Creating a new destination for style-conscious purchasers, Phoenix Square includes an exclusive selection of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from just £72,500. 

John Long from Blueprint said: "Anecdotal evidence from existing homeowners at Phoenix Square suggests that they really do enjoy spending time on their balconies, whether they are unwinding with a good book after work, enjoying a leisurely alfresco breakfast at the weekend, or entertaining friends. As the warm summer months approach, many are looking to make the most of their prized outdoor space by creating their very own urban oasis.  Drawing on Ady's expertise and experience, we are hoping to inspire and empower apartment owners, not just at Phoenix Square, but throughout Leicester to enjoy the benefits of 'growing their own' and cultivating a lush space which they can continue to enjoy spending time in."

Phoenix Square is a unique cultural building which combines contemporary living space, with independent cinema, a state of the art gallery, cafe bar, workspaces and office studios to house Leicester's growing number of creative businesses. It is the creation of a partnership project between Blueprint and Leicester City Council in collaboration with Phoenix and De Montfort University and is an example of 21st century sustainable building design, coupled with leading-edge architectural quality.  

Ady Dayman's Top Tips for a Lush Apartment Garden

Staycation in style!

It's easy to create your very own Mediterranean-style balcony by planting Phormiums in pots.  These striking architectural grasses are hardy with long, slender sword-like leaves and they come in an array of dazzling colours.

Bay Trees (Laurus Nobilis) add a real touch of class, and grouping together ferns and grasses will give you the feeling of being on a balcony in Tuscany. Lemon trees require very little looking after - simply keep them warm and bring them inside when there is a frost, and you could be picking your own lemons all summer.

A feast for the senses

Carefully selected sensory plants will transform any area into an urban oasis. Bamboos in pots create a soothing sound as the wind rustles through them; whereas scented plants such as Lavender and Rosemary will not only provide colour and tantalising aromas, you may also be able to use them in the kitchen. 

A taste sensation

Vegetables such as potatoes, dwarf varieties of French beans, tomatoes and peas can be easily grown on a balcony. Have fun experimenting with different varieties and use pots, troughs, or 'Grow Bags' up against walls. Bamboo canes can be used for support as the plants grow.

Pick your favourite herbs and grow them on your windowsill, or plant into a large trough or pot so you always have a constant supply for cooking. Orange Mint, Pineapple Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and Chives will all provide beautiful colour and will be well-used in the kitchen. And the real beauty of growing your own herbs is the more you chop them back and use them, the quicker they grow back.

Have fun by making themed pots for your balcony. For example, a 'Pizza Pot' could include dwarf tomatoes, basil and rosemary; or plant lemon grass, mint, strawberry plants and a small Lime or Lemon Tree to make your very own 'Cocktail Pot'. A 'Hot Pot' can be achieved with various different and brightly coloured chilli plants.

Branching out

You don't need an orchard or raised beds to grow an array of fruit trees and bushes. Blueberries provide interest all year round and can be easily grown in a pot on your balcony. Strawberries can also be planted and require very little looking after. Ballerina Apple Trees are grafted onto a small root stock, which means they will only reach around 5ft in height but will still provide a mass of fruit throughout the summer months.