Reader’s Request: Window Boxes

 

 

 

At last, “April Showers” seem to have arrived. Let’s see about getting those “May Flowers” now, shall we?

 

Window boxes are great way to add some of that curb appeal you’re always hearing about to your home. They brighten things up on the outside and bring plant life from the bottom up.

 

Designing Your Box

• You can do a mix of cascading plants and lush blooms

• Plants with height will also let you enjoy your blooms from the inside

• Use foliage to fill in spots for when your flowers are not blooming

Selecting Your Box

In terms of materials, the traditional is, of course, wood. These days however, there are some lower maintenance options.

 

• PVC-  light, resistant to rotting and cracking, can often look like wood, holds paint well

• Fiberglass-  lighter than PVC, resistant to rotting and cracking,  can be painted

• Vinyl-  rot, moisture and insect resistant, can be painted (may warp or crack over time)

• Self Watering-  great for boxes placed in hard to reach places

Other Considerations

Like with any other gardening project, you need to consider the amount of light your plants will get. But you also need to be aware of wind, the weight of the containers and drainage.

 

 

 

Resources

• Window Box Store (great source for more info on the different box materials available)

• List of suitable plants for boxes

I know this last one is a little random, but hey, it’s a

Reader’s Request!

• List of  recommended gardening plants for Switzerland.