You said you don't know what you are doing, but you don't look like a beginner by any stretch of the imagination. I like your "cottage style" planter (window box), and you made a great choice with the bricks too, BTW. I'm new to container planting - if you ever need suggestions, the container gardening forum is a great place for advice (you seem to have more of a knack for it than I do, however). I also arranged a window box this year, and only recently transplanted into other containers...in doing so, I found that it was one big root system (I could pull it out in one piece and it was a 36" planter). Yikes! I had sweet potato vine, 2 coleus plants, black potato vine, alyssum, and ivy. I think it was the vines...huge root systems. So, next year I have to consider the number of plants in one planter - early in the season it will be ok, but as the roots grow the need for fertilizer and water increases with it (I learned the hard way). Have you considered planting clematis vines? I think they'd look fabulous on your balcony and it would be a great splash of color! You could grow them in pots up a small trellis or obelisk. Check out the clematis forum if you are interested. Are you open to constructive feedback? I think the bistro set would look spectacular if you positioned it more to the left or right, rather than direcly in the middle. Since your balcony is symmetrical, asymmetry would be a nice balance. And instead of the chairs being directly across from eachother, you can place them both facing outward (see my picture). This might not work for various reasons, and I can't tell where your "exit" is based on these pictures, but it doesn't hurt to play around with it and see what works. Good luck with decorating your balcony - it looks fabulous, and you've only just begun.

Murky, After battling the deer for years I finally gave in and fenced the entire property. It is nice no longer having to worry about what got mowed down over night.

WOW! Welcome to hostadom! I don't know where you were shopping, but I wish I lived near there. None of the nurseries around here have those available..... Heavenly Tiara - love the Tiaras Flame Stitch - on my wish list Feather Boa - excellent choice Silver Threads Golden Needles - heard good things about this one Magic Fire - VERY high on my wish list Cameo - LOVE it White Feather - no clue Queen Josephine - love it Little Wonder - no clue Good luck with all of them and post photos soon!

You've put a lot of thought and research into this so I would go for it. You will feel so much better. I know I am guilty of overthinking and hesitating because of a bad review or two. The appliances had the features I wanted so I will just deal (and maybe rant and rave) if there are problems in the future. Or maybe get an extended warranty on the DW if that will make you more comfortable.