@sasha.G, If possible I would move the plants in off the balcony but if that's out of the question, I'm afraid I would try to get a family member or a trustworthy neighbour to give the important plants a drink over that period. I wouldn't touch the succulents at all over that period of time, they can go for months without water as you already know, let alone a few weeks. Sometimes there are "house sitters" that can be paid to look after pets that otherwise would need to go to a boarding kennel, collect the mail, mow the lawns, water plants etc... Good luck. Cheers, Barbara

Every year I buy more bulbs to pot in various combinations. I bring the best ones inside when they're at their flowering peak. Grape Hyacinths and tiny daffodils with white and red freesias are my favourites so far. I love the scent of freesias, the brightness of daffodils, and the intricacy of ranunculus. I want to plant a big oblong tub of Ranunculus this year.

It’s a great idea, that way you can alternate whenever needed without too much fuss, your balcony looks quite spacious so you can have some beautiful pots out there with the added bonus of looking lush from the inside, love these wall circles too.

I love to mix artificial plants with real plants. I'm not a green thumb, so this helps a lot. There is a business in Perth called Everlasting Greenery, website http://www.hostwin.com.au They stock a huge range of artificial plants, trees, bamboo, flowers. I checked the website, they ship all over Australia. Please see attached photo of one of the plants, mixed with my real plants.