A balcony is a garden with better views and worse weather — more wind, more sun, and everything lives in a pot. The plants that thrive there are the tough, sculptural ones: olives and bay that shrug off exposure, star jasmine to soften a railing with scent, camellia and acer for the sheltered corner.

Every plant here is happy in a container long-term. Choose frost-proof pots, make sure water can drain, and a London balcony will hold its green all year — the room outside your room.