The Secret to Creating a Vertical Balcony Garden

Posted by AJ Camara on July 15, 2024

We’ve all seen fabulous images of balconies, but how do you achieve that perfect balcony garden look without hiring a handyman? The secret to creating a floating garden is RailScapes. Designed for vertical displays, our revolutionary floating plant hangers are bringing container gardening to new heights. RailScapes promise to suspend up to 15 lbs. each, so if you're eager to create lush layers in your balcony garden, make sure to follow these tips:

Best Practices for Railscaping

Double-layer rail planter for balcony garden

Maximize Grip

RailScapes' effectiveness lies in their unique blend of tension and grip. Use the gripping bumpers effectively to achieve a firm hold. Don’t hesitate to double-layer the bumpers to double the grip for heavier plants in your balcony garden. It works!

Adjust Tension

To add or restore tension, simply stretch the clip. And remember to hook one side at a time to retain tension during your floating balcony garden install.

Flexible hooks for balcony garden planters

Utilize Adjacent Spindles

For the best stability in your floating balcony garden, do not skip spindles. Hook side one and then use both hands to flex side two between the adjacent spindle.

Consider Building Codes

RailScapes are calibrated for building code railing gaps (4 inches apart). If your railing has larger gaps, you will need to add extra tension by stretching them. Keep in mind that as the gap widens, the weight they can suspend in mid-air will decrease. For 8” gaps, RailScapes work best to create border gardens at the foot of the railing. Enjoy the beauty of cascading plants and a blooming container garden in your balcony garden knowing that your RailScapes are designed to keep it all in place.

Easy Installation

Each RailScape comes with an 18” hose that is split lengthwise. You’ll need scissors to cut the hose into precise lengths to make the gripping bumpers: 2” for the smaller hooks (1/2-3/4” spindles) and 3” for larger ones (1-1.5” spindles). If the bumpers are stiff to work with, warm them up in hot water, use a hair dryer, or place them in direct sunlight for a few minutes. Once pliable, wrap them around the inside curve of the hooks and pinch them closed. Then hook one side around a spindle and flex the second side between the adjacent spindle. This ensures a secure hold for your balcony garden.

Wind Resistance

RailScapes are incredibly wind-resistant because they wrap around the spindles and make contact at four places to ensure your floating balcony garden stays put. How many times have you walked onto your deck or balcony to find plants pushed around by the weather? RailScapes are the “seat belt” of railing planters. If we're talking severe storms, it’s easy to pluck the planters out of their “seat belts” and store them inside while you wait for the weather to pass.

Balcony and Deck Gardening Made Easy

Our mission was to make deck and balcony gardening an easy, tool-free hobby. Before RailScapes, railing planters relied on the top railing and often involved bulky plastic, complex hardware, or simple hooks that didn’t stay put. RailScapes are advancing the concept of railing planters with their ability to layer plants and create vertical displays. This approach not only enhances curb appeal but also maximizes the use of living space. If you're looking to elevate your balcony garden, RailScapes could provide the inspiration you're looking for.