At Cedars of Edina, your home extends beyond your walls. Whether you have a private balcony, a ground-level patio, or a bright window with a view, there are countless ways to create a space that feels like a personal retreat, especially during Minnesota’s warmer months.

Here’s how to make the most of your space with décor, plants, and creative alternatives.

Step one – Define your vision!

Before decorating, think about function.

• Creating a relaxing morning coffee spot?
• Creating a mini garden?
• Creating a cozy evening hangout?

Even small balconies or patios can feel intentional with the right layout. A general rule is to choose fewer large pieces versus several smaller ones, this keeps the space from feeling cluttered and helps retain moisture in plant containers.

Step two – Let’s decorate!

Layer in Comfort

• Outdoor rugs to define the space (be sure they are outdoor rugs that will not get water-logged)
• Weather-resistant cushions or throw pillows
• Compact bistro sets or folding chairs

Add Vertical Interest (Vertical gardening is especially useful in smaller spaces and is a core principle of “micro gardening”, making the most of compact areas)

• Hanging planters
• Trellises for climbing plants

Lighting for Ambiance

• String lights or solar lanterns
• Battery-powered candles
• Soft LED lighting for evening use

Step three – Go green!

Because Edina experiences cold winters and variable sunlight, container gardening requires thoughtful plant selection. Pots heat up and cool down faster than ground soil, so choose hardy, adaptable plants.

Don’t rush the process…

Timing matters just as much as plant selection, especially with Minnesota’s unpredictable spring weather. In the Edina area, it’s generally safest to move plants and flowerpots outdoors after the last frost, which typically occurs in mid- to late- May. A good rule of thumb is to wait until overnight temperatures consistently stay above 50°F.

What to Watch For:

• Nighttime temperatures below 40°F can stress or damage most plants
• Frost warnings (even in May!) mean you should bring plants inside or cover them
• Wind exposure on higher balconies can make it feel colder than the actual temperature

Pro Tip: Ease indoor plants outdoors gradually

• Start with a few hours outside each day
• In the beginning, avoid direct sun to prevent shock
• Increase exposure over 5–7 days

Early Season Exceptions

Some cold-tolerant plants can go out earlier (late April–early May), such as:

• Pansies
• Kale or ornamental cabbage
• Certain herbs like parsley

These can handle light chills but should still be protected from frost.

Light, Shade, and the spaces in-between!

For full sun balconies and patios (South- or West-facing)

• Petunias (bright, cascading color)
• Geraniums (classic and resilient)
• Lavender (fragrant and drought-tolerant)
• Herbs like basil and rosemary
• Cherry tomatoes (great for edible gardening)

These plants thrive in strong sunlight and typically require regular watering due to faster soil drying.

For partial sun or mixed light (East- or West-facing, or with tree shade)

• Pansies
• Mint or basil
• Ornamental grasses
• Climbing plants like jasmine

These offer flexibility and tend to be beginner friendly.

Shady, covered, or North-facing balconies and patios

Less than 3 hours of direct sun:

• Begonias (long-lasting blooms)
• Ferns (lush greenery)
• Hosta or caladium
• Impatiens (bright and colorful)

Shade plants often need consistent moisture but less intense sunlight.

Don’t underestimate the power of the wind!

Higher balconies can be windier, which dries soil faster and can damage delicate plants.

• Choose low-profile plants (succulents, grasses)
• Use heavier or secured containers
• Select wind-tolerant species like sedum or ivy

Patio-specific ideas for ground-level gardens:

If you have a patio at Cedars of Edina, you have a bit more flexibility:

• Use larger planters or small shrubs for privacy
• Create a “garden border” with layered pots
• Add outdoor storage benches or side tables

You can even incorporate taller plants or small trees in containers for a more landscaped feel.

No Balcony? Try this!

Some apartments feature large windows instead of balconies. You can still create that same calming, nature-inspired atmosphere:

Indoor “Balcony” Setup

• Place potted flowers or herbs near the window
• Use tiered plant stands to mimic vertical gardening
• Try window boxes or suction-mounted planters

Add Light & Movement

• Hang sun-catchers or prism ornaments
• Use sheer curtains for a breezy effect
• Add a small indoor bench or reading chair

Easy Indoor Plants for Bright Windows

• Spider plants
• Pothos (great for trailing)
• Succulents for sunny spots

Keep things low-maintenance and sustainable:

• Use self-watering planters
• Group plants with similar watering needs
• Choose hardy, container-friendly varieties
• Check soil moisture frequently—containers dry out faster than ground soil

Final Thoughts

At Cedars of Edina, every home offers an opportunity to create a personalized outdoor (or indoor-outdoor) retreat. Whether you’re working with a balcony, patio, or sunny window, the key is to match your space, sunlight, and lifestyle.

With a few thoughtful choices, you can turn even a small area into a relaxing extension of your home, perfect for enjoying Minnesota’s beautiful seasons.