I have a 4x3-ish balcony that faces NE. It gets filtered sun for about 3-4 hours or so. The big problem is that the tree that filters the balcony dumps loads of aphids and spider mites onto the balcony. I've had to bring any herbs inside to an east facing window to save them -- and only just barely after lots of spraying with water/soapy water.

We want to plant some nice hedges or trailing plants along the railing to provide more privacy to our second floor balcony, but given the aphid/spider mite problem -- not to mention the limited light -- I'm not sure what to plant. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks so much!