Flowers for Window Boxes

Planting with imagination

A flower for every season

Preparing your window box -The first important step to creating your flower window box garden is choosing a lightweight potting mix. A mixture of garden soil, peat moss, compost is best to ensure plants grow and flourish in your window box. Flowers in window boxes may also be planted using a mix that doesn't include soil. This can provide superior drainage and hold water better than ordinary potting mix.

Using a self-watering irrigation system cuts down on maintenance for your window box by automatically watering your flowers and plants for you. It can be easily installed by attaching to your regular water hose. A secured line is then run directly into your window box and a timer is set for proper watering times.

Designing and planting your window box – Window boxes give gardeners a chance to experiment with different plants and design, but it's imperative to choose flowers and plants that can thrive in the climate in which you live.

When you begin planting it's a good idea to start back to font by planting the tallest flowers and greenery further back in your window box. Spikes and Geraniums work. Plant vines such as Vincas, Sweet Potato and Licorice in the front if you're looking for a cascading effect where vines drape over the edge of your window box.

As you begin to fill in your window box, choose colors that accent your deck or window and that fit in well with your surrounding garden and landscape. Flowers such as pansies, impatience, daisies, and lobelia will fit in well depending which direction your window faces.

A window box for every season – As the seasons begin to change, so can the flowers in your window box. The middle of May is usually the best time to begin your window box, except if you live in the South where there's warm weather year round. As the summer turns into fall, a mixture of mums, coleus and variety of leaf plants are sure to impress.

Another intriguing fall look is to take dried stems and flowers and arrange them in your window box. Don't hesitate to use your creativity to express the season or holiday. Stems from Black-Eyed Susans work well for an interesting fall look.

When winter rolls around, arrange boughs of holly, pine, and magnolia into your window box. It’s a look that will last the entire season. Add a bright, red bow or scented pine cones for a finishing touch! And for some night magic, highlight your window box after dusk with a solar spot light!

More information on window boxes