The Joy of Balcony Living

Balcony Curtains Through the Seasons: From Goya and Hechima to Flowers and Roses

After your summer green curtain of goya and hechima fades, transform your balcony with colorful flower curtains—Asarina, Cypress Vine, and the climbing rose "Azumino." Tips on growing, seasonal care, and using beneficial microbes to keep plants healthy.

2025.09.19

EnglishThe Joy of Balcony Living

Balcony Gardening in Tokyo: How to Grow Ryukyu Indigo and Enjoy Japan Blue Dyeing

FukunyanHey AYA-jii, that plant used for blue dyeing—“Ryukyu Indigo”—can we really grow it in Tokyo?AYA-JiiSure you can....

2025.09.01

EnglishThe Joy of Balcony LivingThe Joy of Balcony Living

From Green to Bloom: Creating a Balcony Curtain with the Mini Climbing Rose ‘Azumino’

FukunyanAYA-jii, the bitter gourd curtain is almost over. What should we plant next?”AYAJii“A good question. When the su...

2025.08.30

EnglishThe Joy of Balcony Living

A Small　Tokyo　Balcony　Garden　｜After　Goya、Enjoy a Green　Curtain　of Luffa

FukunyanGrandpa AYA, the goya vines are looking a bit tired now. What’s next?”Grandpa AYAHehe, that’s just the right tim...

2025.08.27

EnglishThe Joy of Balcony Living

🌿The Mysterious Tendrils of Bitter Gourd: A Tiny Lesson from the Balcony Garden

Discover how bitter gourd tendrils find support and coil like springs. A fascinating look into nature’s wisdom from a small Tokyo balcony.

2025.06.15

EnglishThe Joy of Balcony Living

🍅 A Tiny Tokyo Balcony Turns into a Farm! Savoring Summer with Mini Tomatoes

Even in the heart of Tokyo, planting just two tomato seedlings on a small balcony can bring a hint of summer.This year, ...

2025.06.14

The Joy of Balcony Living

Growing Bitter Melon on a Tokyo Balcony: A Tale of Two Southern Varieties

Kicking Off an Urban Gardening ExperimentAt the end of April, I planted two types of bitter melon—one from Kagoshima and...

2025.06.11

The Joy of Balcony Living