If you are planning to attract wild birds, butterflies, or other wildlife to your small outdoor area with plants, consider your space -- evaluate your outdoor area.

The Basics

1. Size. How tall? How wide? Depth?
   
2. Climate. What gardening zone do you live in?
3. Exposure. Windy? Snowy in winter? Western facing?
   
4. Light. Shady or sunny?
   
5. Material. Primarily concrete? Wood?
   
6. Design. Covered? Sliding glass door? French door?
   
7. Restrictions. Plants allowed? In pots? Hanging from ceiling?
   

Size

Larger container plants such as dwarf trees won't fit on small balconies. For smaller outdoor areas, consider trellising vines to make the most of your three-dimensional area.

Climate

Determine what gardening zone you are in. For example, if you live in USDA Zone 5, you may want to consider Zone 6 or higher plants. Container plants tend to feel the winter chill more than in-ground plants, unless the containers are well-protected.

Exposure

Southern or western facing exposures will be sunnier and warmer than northern or eastern feeding ones. If your wildlife porch is windy, you may need hardier plants. If it is snowy in winter, you may need to move plants inside for the season.

Light

If your balcony, patio, deck, or other outdoor area receives a great deal of sun, choose sun-loving plants that attract wildlife. If your wildlife area is shady, seek shade-tolerant wildlife-attracting plants.

Material

If your outdoor area is made of concrete, it will be warmer in summer and colder in winter than one made of wood. It may be easier to hang or mount plants on wood wildlife porches, but concrete porches may handle more plants per square foot.

Design

Consider the layout of your deck or other outdoor area. Where is the door? The window? How wide is each element? You will want to see out to watch your wildlife, so choose plants and arrangement that do not block your view.

Restrictions

Does your apartment complex or condo restrictions allow plants? In standing pots and in hanging pots?