In the height of summer, balconies and corners of small yards can quickly become a heat-trap – especially in dense, urban environments, such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas. Built from concrete, stone, tiles and metal, these are materials that absorb heat during the day and continue to radiate it long after the sun goes down.
As well as being uncomfortable to sit in, designers say this effect can place stress on container plants, drying out soil quickly and creating growing conditions that are difficult to manage without constant watering and care.
