WASHINGTON -- Giving up a house for a condo doesn't mean people have to give up their garden.

Even the smallest balcony or terrace can become a lush green oasis that helps capture rainwater, preventing runoff pollution and helping to clean the air.

As the condo boom brings more high rises and concrete dwellings to downtown areas, there's an effort to bring nature with them.

Glenn Bly of City Rocks Landscapes specializes in balcony and terrace gardens -- often-neglected areas that beg for some attention.

"It's a continuation of your living space," he said. "You want to make it as pleasant as your living room."

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Bly said no matter how small the concrete space is, people can make it come alive.

Bly got the idea after visiting friends in Spain with a tiny landscaped space.

A landscaped terrace or balcony also provides a soft retreat from the noise of the city.

And because it's small you get a lot of bang for the buck.

"You don't need as many plants and you can make it look lush, thick, full, without spending a lot of money," Bly said.