Urban Paradise: How Planted Balconies Cool the City and Promote Biodiversity

Longer heat periods are particularly problematic in cities: however, planted balconies can already provide relief. They heat up less in the summer and offer protection and food sources for butterflies, birds, or insects, according to a release from "Die Umweltberatung" on Wednesday.

Regarding heat protection, plants with large leaves are the most effective, as they also cool through water evaporation. Climbing plants ensure that the wall heats up less. Melanie Frauendienst from "Die Umweltberatung" said: "In urban areas, every planted pot counts. Native plants offer animals food, shelter, and nesting places and bring diversity to the city."

Opportunities to promote biodiversity include the cultivation of shrubs with berries for birds or nettles, which caterpillars of about 50 butterfly species feed on. Faded perennials or plant residues like deadwood also provide good overwintering places for the eggs or larvae of ladybugs and other insects. A bowl with water and protruding stones also offers a place for crawlers to drink - birds would also benefit from it.

It is also recommended that wild perennials bloom throughout the entire vegetation period. In spring, for example, grape hyacinth and cornelian cherry bloom, in summer, among others, viper's bugloss and sand thyme. Even in autumn, for example, unfilled asters offer nectar to insects until late in the season.

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