How Landscape Designers Transform Urban Balconies Into Private Green Gardens
Landscape designer Avi Avimelech transforms urban balconies in Ra'anana and Petah Tikva into private green oases using living walls and smart planter setups.
Moving from a private home surrounded by greenery to a fifth-floor apartment in Ra'anana left a couple of doctors facing an unexpected challenge. Their 20-square-meter balcony overlooked a neighboring building, exposing them to prying eyes and causing them to abandon the outdoor space almost entirely.
Creating a Green Oasis on a Compact Balcony
Landscape designer Avi Avimelech stepped in to tackle both the privacy issue and the couple's longing for nature. He installed two living plant walls and placed tall planters opposite the neighboring building, filling the gaps with cascading flowers and greenery. This setup successfully blocked the view while keeping the floor space open, allowing the couple to resume entertaining outdoors and enjoy the lush view from their living room.
Bringing the Vertical Garden Indoors in Petah Tikva
In Petah Tikva, a couple on the ninth floor sought a similar transformation for their neglected balcony. After replacing old planters and installing automated irrigation and fertilization systems, Avimelech built a ten-square-meter living green wall. Visible from major parts of the apartment, the vibrant installation completely revitalized the indoor atmosphere and turned the balcony into a frequently used entertaining space.
Key Steps for Designing a Balcony Garden
Avimelech, who studied landscape architecture at Ruppin Academic Center and drew inspiration from Patrick Blanc in Madrid, emphasizes careful planning before heading to the nursery. Homeowners must evaluate structural weight loads, sunlight and wind exposure, and drainage systems while strategically targeting sightlines to ensure privacy without sacrificing floor space.
