Did you look a camping stores for lockable heavy duty plastic storage boxes? Or the checker plate variety of tool boxes made for tradies utes etc come in a variety of sizes? Army ammo boxes are popular too for storage & are strong but may need painting if you want it to blend in.

What will this space be used for? Is it just to sit and admire the view?, entertain? How much seating do you need ? Grow some herbs, plants? What style? Modern, tropical, rustic,? So many questions

Hi...When mine was at the planning stage , I found the best way was to discreetly take photos of gardens I liked in the area..I like neat symmetry too and based my garden around hedges, paths and groundcover with some feature magnolias and 2 rectangles of lawn and it is easy to take care of and matured reasonably quickly. I also have some roses but I would probably omit them if I did it again. Garden centres are good for free local advice too. Hope that helps.

Hi everyone. Sorry for this late reply. To 94236633. The balcony is many metres from the ground so I could not risk pots on the ledge. I like the idea of a sculpture so I'll keep my eye out for something suitable. Thanks for your input. To Mel N Your idea sounds lovely but it's not suitable for this space. We have loads of balcony space on the north facing rear of the apartment for sitting about. Thanks for sharing. To Julie Herbert The white pots look good. You inspired me to try a temporary fix by moving some existing plants out there until I get my act together. It is an improvement on all the grey. Thanks for the inspiration. To Oskuee Your pics look terrific. Since your post (and Julie's) I now have a tall pot with a slender jade plant, a smaller potted jade popped on top of an upturned plastic waste bin, and the white pot I've also raised via a black waste bin. Didn't cost a cent, just a bit of muscle in transferring. Some colour would be good but as I said this is hopefully a temporary fix. If the window project doesn't eventuate I'll re-think the area. Thanks all for your thoughts and encouragement.