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See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 34 Fotos
Important considerations
- One of the first things to consider when creating a window box is the area where you're going to be planting. Is it on the shaded side of your property, or sunny side up?
© Shutterstock
1 / 34 Fotos
Location, location, location
- This is important because the location of the box will likely dictate the type of flowers or plants you want to cultivate.
© Shutterstock
2 / 34 Fotos
Facing the right direction
- Remember that boxes that face south and west receive more direct sunlight and will dry out faster than boxes on the opposite side of the home.
© Shutterstock
3 / 34 Fotos
Ease of use
- Functional aspects are equally important to consider. For example, will the position of the box facilitate easy watering and pruning? And note that all boxes require regular maintenance.
© Shutterstock
4 / 34 Fotos
Weighty issues
- The weight of a window box is another key factor. Don't underestimate how heavy a window box can be. It's hefty enough when filled with soil and plants, but gets even heavier when watered.
© Shutterstock
5 / 34 Fotos
Fashion sense
- Aesthetics play an important role when choosing a window box. Quite often the style of a box is dictated by the design elements of the property.
© Shutterstock
6 / 34 Fotos
Material choices
- For example, a sleek, minimalist plastic or PVC window box will complement the clean lines and open plan aspect of a modern home.
© Shutterstock
7 / 34 Fotos
Pastoral perspective
- On the other hand, a window box fashioned from wood is far better suited to the rustic veneer of a traditional countryside cottage.
© Shutterstock
8 / 34 Fotos
Heavier metal
- Another attractive option is metal. The best choices are those boxes treated with a rust-free material, like powder-coated metal or copper window boxes.
© Shutterstock
9 / 34 Fotos
Important design aspect
- Whatever your choice, always make sure your window box has adequate drainage holes.
© Shutterstock
10 / 34 Fotos
Planting a window box
- Planting window boxes is a relatively straightforward process. To prevent soil seeping out of the drainage holes, cover the bottom of the box with gravel or landscape fabric.
© Shutterstock
11 / 34 Fotos
Soil choice
- Choose a good quality, lightweight potting soil. This holds moisture well, for less watering. Some gardeners recommend mixing soil with perlite and peat for extra water retention.
© Shutterstock
12 / 34 Fotos
The right plants for the climate
- Choosing plants for your window box depends on where you've chosen to locate it. If it's in the shade, then sun-loving plants are a no-no. Similarly, a location bathed in sunshine will be better suited to heat-tolerant plants.
© Shutterstock
13 / 34 Fotos
Check the weather
- Does it rain a lot where you live? If precipitation is high, opt for water-loving plants.
© Shutterstock
14 / 34 Fotos
Suitable for herbs
- Window boxes are also suitable for planting aromatic herbs and vegetables, things such as mint, parsley, and basil.
© Shutterstock
15 / 34 Fotos
Indoor window boxes
- Actually, many common herbs thrive on sunny, indoor windowsills—keeping fresh herbs ready in every season. And interiors are often scented with a wonderful aromatic fragrance into the bargain.
© Shutterstock
16 / 34 Fotos
Advantages of an interior window box
- The obvious advantages of using an interior window box is that plants cultivated this way enjoy all the light of living outdoors, but without the risks of temperature fluctuation and attacks from bugs associated with the garden.
© Shutterstock
17 / 34 Fotos
Frost-free
- Spring bulbs benefit enormously from being grown indoors, planted as they are well away from harmful winter frost.
© Shutterstock
18 / 34 Fotos
Adding a splash of color
- For many home owners, and especially those living in a high-rise urban environment, the appeal of a window box lies in the splash of color flowers provide.
© Shutterstock
19 / 34 Fotos
Vibrant greenery
- Indeed, flowering plants can enliven even the dullest of facades. And trailing and vining plants serve to add lush, vibrant greenery.
© Shutterstock
20 / 34 Fotos
Drought-tolerant plants
- Succulents planted in an outside window box always work well. These drought-tolerant plants, species that include crassula, aeonium, and aloe vera, are favorite residents of the urban window box.
© Shutterstock
21 / 34 Fotos
Designing the color palette
- Arranging three to six flowering plants of complementary colors in a repetitive pattern is the best way to showcase your window box. But again, this idea depends on the orientation of your window box.
© Shutterstock
22 / 34 Fotos
Decide on a focal point
- Arrange your window boxes so they become a focal point for the eye. Decide on a centerpiece bloom and then work outwards.
© Shutterstock
23 / 34 Fotos
Skyline in bloom
- Window boxes in high-rise apartments can be designed to emphasize a skyline, which can create quite an appealing outlook over an otherwise stark and drab urban landscape.
© Shutterstock
24 / 34 Fotos
Get creative
- You don't have to live in the back and beyond to create rustic countryside character. Look how this homeowner has built their window box out of silver birch logs to support a herb garden.
© Shutterstock
25 / 34 Fotos
Get personal
- Creating a window box can say a lot about your own character. This homeowner obviously appreciates daffodils, but chances are they also enjoy a connection with the sea!
© Shutterstock
26 / 34 Fotos
Festive ideas
- And the festive season can prompt all sorts of winter box ideas. This autumnal display perfectly conveys the spirit of Thanksgiving and the Christmas period.
© Shutterstock
27 / 34 Fotos
Plants for sunny window boxes
- Plants for sunny window boxes are numerous and include marigolds, daffodils, and honeysuckles. Rosemary, thyme, and lavender also thrive under sunshine.
© Shutterstock
28 / 34 Fotos
Plants for shady window boxes
- Numbering among plants for shady window boxes are crocuses, snowdrops, and trumpet vines. Herb species include parsley, peppermint, and oregano.
© Shutterstock
29 / 34 Fotos
Keep it simple
- If you're considering building a window box, keep things simple. Those lucky enough to have access to a balcony should first experiment with various plants and flowers to determine what works well and what doesn't, and how much effort is involved cultivating and maintaining plant life.
© Shutterstock
30 / 34 Fotos
Work to a smaller scale
- Keep garden design elements in mind on a smaller scale. Pictured is a fall flower box with ornamental cabbage, heather, and ivy.
© Shutterstock
31 / 34 Fotos
Learn the basics
- If you plan to grow vegetables, learn the basics. This photograph shows tomato and bell pepper seeds germinating in eggshells on a window sill.
© Shutterstock
32 / 34 Fotos
The golden rule
- And it's worth repeating the golden rule: always give your window box plenty of water to keep flowering plants happy all summer long. Sources: (Better Homes & Gardens) (Old House Online)
© Shutterstock
33 / 34 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 34 Fotos
Important considerations
- One of the first things to consider when creating a window box is the area where you're going to be planting. Is it on the shaded side of your property, or sunny side up?
© Shutterstock
1 / 34 Fotos
Location, location, location
- This is important because the location of the box will likely dictate the type of flowers or plants you want to cultivate.
© Shutterstock
2 / 34 Fotos
Facing the right direction
- Remember that boxes that face south and west receive more direct sunlight and will dry out faster than boxes on the opposite side of the home.
© Shutterstock
3 / 34 Fotos
Ease of use
- Functional aspects are equally important to consider. For example, will the position of the box facilitate easy watering and pruning? And note that all boxes require regular maintenance.
© Shutterstock
4 / 34 Fotos
Weighty issues
- The weight of a window box is another key factor. Don't underestimate how heavy a window box can be. It's hefty enough when filled with soil and plants, but gets even heavier when watered.
© Shutterstock
5 / 34 Fotos
Fashion sense
- Aesthetics play an important role when choosing a window box. Quite often the style of a box is dictated by the design elements of the property.
© Shutterstock
6 / 34 Fotos
Material choices
- For example, a sleek, minimalist plastic or PVC window box will complement the clean lines and open plan aspect of a modern home.
© Shutterstock
7 / 34 Fotos
Pastoral perspective
- On the other hand, a window box fashioned from wood is far better suited to the rustic veneer of a traditional countryside cottage.
© Shutterstock
8 / 34 Fotos
Heavier metal
- Another attractive option is metal. The best choices are those boxes treated with a rust-free material, like powder-coated metal or copper window boxes.
© Shutterstock
9 / 34 Fotos
Important design aspect
- Whatever your choice, always make sure your window box has adequate drainage holes.
© Shutterstock
10 / 34 Fotos
Planting a window box
- Planting window boxes is a relatively straightforward process. To prevent soil seeping out of the drainage holes, cover the bottom of the box with gravel or landscape fabric.
© Shutterstock
11 / 34 Fotos
Soil choice
- Choose a good quality, lightweight potting soil. This holds moisture well, for less watering. Some gardeners recommend mixing soil with perlite and peat for extra water retention.
© Shutterstock
12 / 34 Fotos
The right plants for the climate
- Choosing plants for your window box depends on where you've chosen to locate it. If it's in the shade, then sun-loving plants are a no-no. Similarly, a location bathed in sunshine will be better suited to heat-tolerant plants.
© Shutterstock
13 / 34 Fotos
Check the weather
- Does it rain a lot where you live? If precipitation is high, opt for water-loving plants.
© Shutterstock
14 / 34 Fotos
Suitable for herbs
- Window boxes are also suitable for planting aromatic herbs and vegetables, things such as mint, parsley, and basil.
© Shutterstock
15 / 34 Fotos
Indoor window boxes
- Actually, many common herbs thrive on sunny, indoor windowsills—keeping fresh herbs ready in every season. And interiors are often scented with a wonderful aromatic fragrance into the bargain.
© Shutterstock
16 / 34 Fotos
Advantages of an interior window box
- The obvious advantages of using an interior window box is that plants cultivated this way enjoy all the light of living outdoors, but without the risks of temperature fluctuation and attacks from bugs associated with the garden.
© Shutterstock
17 / 34 Fotos
Frost-free
- Spring bulbs benefit enormously from being grown indoors, planted as they are well away from harmful winter frost.
© Shutterstock
18 / 34 Fotos
Adding a splash of color
- For many home owners, and especially those living in a high-rise urban environment, the appeal of a window box lies in the splash of color flowers provide.
© Shutterstock
19 / 34 Fotos
Vibrant greenery
- Indeed, flowering plants can enliven even the dullest of facades. And trailing and vining plants serve to add lush, vibrant greenery.
© Shutterstock
20 / 34 Fotos
Drought-tolerant plants
- Succulents planted in an outside window box always work well. These drought-tolerant plants, species that include crassula, aeonium, and aloe vera, are favorite residents of the urban window box.
© Shutterstock
21 / 34 Fotos
Designing the color palette
- Arranging three to six flowering plants of complementary colors in a repetitive pattern is the best way to showcase your window box. But again, this idea depends on the orientation of your window box.
© Shutterstock
22 / 34 Fotos
Decide on a focal point
- Arrange your window boxes so they become a focal point for the eye. Decide on a centerpiece bloom and then work outwards.
© Shutterstock
23 / 34 Fotos
Skyline in bloom
- Window boxes in high-rise apartments can be designed to emphasize a skyline, which can create quite an appealing outlook over an otherwise stark and drab urban landscape.
© Shutterstock
24 / 34 Fotos
Get creative
- You don't have to live in the back and beyond to create rustic countryside character. Look how this homeowner has built their window box out of silver birch logs to support a herb garden.
© Shutterstock
25 / 34 Fotos
Get personal
- Creating a window box can say a lot about your own character. This homeowner obviously appreciates daffodils, but chances are they also enjoy a connection with the sea!
© Shutterstock
26 / 34 Fotos
Festive ideas
- And the festive season can prompt all sorts of winter box ideas. This autumnal display perfectly conveys the spirit of Thanksgiving and the Christmas period.
© Shutterstock
27 / 34 Fotos
Plants for sunny window boxes
- Plants for sunny window boxes are numerous and include marigolds, daffodils, and honeysuckles. Rosemary, thyme, and lavender also thrive under sunshine.
© Shutterstock
28 / 34 Fotos
Plants for shady window boxes
- Numbering among plants for shady window boxes are crocuses, snowdrops, and trumpet vines. Herb species include parsley, peppermint, and oregano.
© Shutterstock
29 / 34 Fotos
Keep it simple
- If you're considering building a window box, keep things simple. Those lucky enough to have access to a balcony should first experiment with various plants and flowers to determine what works well and what doesn't, and how much effort is involved cultivating and maintaining plant life.
© Shutterstock
30 / 34 Fotos
Work to a smaller scale
- Keep garden design elements in mind on a smaller scale. Pictured is a fall flower box with ornamental cabbage, heather, and ivy.
© Shutterstock
31 / 34 Fotos
Learn the basics
- If you plan to grow vegetables, learn the basics. This photograph shows tomato and bell pepper seeds germinating in eggshells on a window sill.
© Shutterstock
32 / 34 Fotos
The golden rule
- And it's worth repeating the golden rule: always give your window box plenty of water to keep flowering plants happy all summer long. Sources: (Better Homes & Gardens) (Old House Online)
© Shutterstock
33 / 34 Fotos
Create your perfect window box
Plant box ideas for urban and rural environments
© Shutterstock
Those who appreciate flowering plants but don't have a garden often use their green fingers to build a window box. And even homeowners who are lucky enough to have a bit of land are known to create plant boxes as a way to add color and charm to their property. A plant box serves to refresh the views outside your window. Besides vibrant blooms, these picturesque flower containers are also used to grow and cultivate herbs and vegetables. And a well-tended window box can add eye-opening appeal to even the dullest of facades. So, is the idea growing on you?
Click through and find out how to create the perfect window box.
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