balcony problem

1. Clean it up.
2. Get rid of all the plants, flower boxes, glass plant table, garbage pails, towel rack, and whatever that thing is that is folded on the floor.
3. That tree is in the way of any view and looks too close to the house.
4. Replace the bench with a chair. You can use that glass table to set your coffee down.

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from buffalo ny: don't touch the tree at all, it may bring the birds in close for a visit and give you some seasonal shade. if you have a friend with a green thumb, give her those plants. by making the balcony clean and choreless it will be a welcoming retreat from the household hustle. [or perhaps the plants would enjoy thriving on a planter that hangs out beyond the railing in the rain and sun.] determine how the sun falls at what seasons and at what time of day onto this part of your home. maybe it's a sunny morning nook and a shaded afternoon spot that's just waiting for a hosing and spring scrubbing, some interlocking colored rubber 24" x 24" floor mats, and a long couch glider for three or hammock for one for a nap. depending on the climate and the overhead supports, an awning or sun-diffusing fabric may be desired.