I am a transplant from the Upper West Side. I use to have a LARGE roof deck on W 7nd. Recently moved to a condo in Harlem and have 2 small balconies. I want to start a garden on the balonies but with the limited space I am not so sure what to plant. Below are the details:
1. I have 2 patios. Identical in size (appx. ______)
2. North facing, partial sun/partial shade.
3. Had contractors install hooks above the the permineter of the patios so I can hang plants directly above/around the patio.
4. Also want to hang plaints from the rail.
5. Also want to put narrow planter box along base of rail and grow as well.

I went to Tuscany for my honeymoon and fell in love with the balconies there. I love flowering vines and lots of color and want the balonies to be surrounded by colorful flowers (top and bottom) and climbing everywhere. I hear Alpine Geraniums are the plants that are all over Europe on balconies. Anyone know if that is true and if that would work? Below is a link to a photo of a balcony that I am inspired by so any recommendations to replicate something like this would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks all!

Any vine would be perfect for climbing along the rail, including morning glory, moon flower, or nausturium. Cypress vine would also work.

Those geramiums are best appreciate from below the balcony... still, what you can grow depends on light and how frequently you can water the plants (willing to water daily??)