I think alot of us with balconies are do-it-yourselfers, but I expect that there would be a bigger market for rooftop and terrace-scaping. I've been an internet user and if you haven't already setup a website, you might consider it.

Also - if garden shows come to your area, consider getting a booth or even participating by creating an example patio, deck, balcony, or even small rooftop that you might landscape for someone. We have the Philadelphia Flower Show sponsored by the PA Horticultural Society here where hundreds of landscapers create both grandiose and intimate setups featuring their landscaping and hardscaping ideas. I've seen some amazing patio gardens, no more than perhaps 10' x 10' or even smaller. We also have the "Philadelphia Green" project also part of the PHS, that supports urban gardening.

My sisters and I go to the Flower Show here every year and I usually try to take pics of some of the more interesting landscapes. This year, I didn't get any very good pictures (the shutter speed ended up being a bit too slow even set to auto and with a flash)... But as an example, the below was an entry for what looks like a small rooftop container garden (with door access), and you can even see a skylight to the left and a roof exhaust fan in the center, both landscaped around.

{{gwi:4022}}

This past year's show was unique from previous years because I saw many many more entries by individuals and small clubs doing their own tiny patio and courtyard gardens. I'm thinking maybe they opened that up as a new class of gardens for judging (they have always had container and windowbox classes along with what are probably "garden rooms", but this seemed different due to all the entries). I'm hoping the same will hold true in the future as the big nurseries often get most of the exposure and "press" with their large and often whimsical displays.

It's possible that once you break into your market, word-of-mouth will also help after awhile.

Hi, We just bought our first home in New Jersey. I know nothing about plants but love them. We have a little balcony on our 21st floor unit for which I'd like to have some plants. But I don't know which ones will survive all weathers and need low maitainance. I don't know about zones or plants being dormant. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Kaye

In new jersey, the only plants that stay pretty all weather are pansies, and conifers like pine, spruce, yew, juniper, etc. There are some ivys that are cold tolerant too, but I'm not sure which varieties.

There are also a lot of other plants for your area that "survive" winters- but they go dormant, which means they lose their leaves and look ugly until they get their leaves back in Spring.

Best of luck.

Hi Kaye - if you are still reading here - where are you in NJ? I know the climate is quite different between north and south and even then, there are quite a bit of plants - including shrubs and perennials that should do just fine but as noted, would go dormant.

However a very very hardy shrub that can give you some winter interest is the red twig dogwood. I have two of them and they look amazing in winter, particularly when snowed on. I have also found that they are pretty care free other than making sure they get some fertilizer and water. I think the "drawback" may be that they grow quite quickly and may require frequent repotting and or dividing, although I'm going to see how it goes with slowing down (by letting it go potbound) my oldest one to keep it in its current container. I can root prune in any case, so as to refresh the soil in its container.

Hi Jenny. I'm brand new here and just read your post. I would like to know if you found the answers you were looking for about how to get a foot in the door.

I don't know, but I wish you lived here. I'd hire you in a heartbeat! Not all of us are DIYers.

I think you have gotten some great advice with putting up a website with lots and lots of pix(google Keith Davitt who is an awesome urban landscaper that has a kick butt website)and getting a booth in garden shows. Joining various garden clubs and professional organizations and getting involved with a "garden walk" would be excellent also. I would also think that getting your name out to local nurseries and garden centers would be excellent. Make up eyecatching biz cards and see if you can leave them.Become your favorite nursery's unofficial expert on patio and urban gardening. Offer to give talks/demonstrations or even a print or online newsletter on plants for urban gardens, water saving tips etc. Remember, for every DIY gardener there is someone who just wants it done and will pay to have it done for them! Do not forget the power of word-of-mouth. One or two very happy customers showing off their gardens and talking you up is huge!!!

Thought it was time for an update! I did respond to a couple of posts in this thread, but I unfortunately for the post responded individually when they popped up in my inbox. Sorry!

The above ideas are great--thank you, laurat! Through my involvement in the downtown neighborhood association, i have gotten several jobs but none of them are the balcony/patio types that i was looking for! I am doing some container jobs right now, and that is exciting because i love doing those types of jobs. You got me to thinking about providing some potted garden "door prize" for the association's monthly happy hour, and developing an urban garden show for downtown (inviting plant pros to create urban garden spaces for courtyards, balconies, patios....and of course i'd be one of them!)

I'll keep letting you all know what happens. I got really excited about it last fall, then landed some big jobs that kept me too busy to follow through on this part of my business. thanks, everyone!