Apartment dwellers have long appreciated that window flower boxes give them the opportunity to do a little gardening and to add a pop of color to the outside of their home. With a patch of land on which to plant flowers, a window box is a great way for those living in an apartment to enjoy having flowers around.
Window flower boxes also look great as an accent on single family homes. They add a touch of charm to the exterior of your home and, as a bonus, caring for flowers in window boxes is fun and easy.
Types of Window Boxes
There are a variety of window boxes available. Most people want to choose a box that will complement their house, apartment building or the deck where the box will be placed. Window boxes are available in a variety of materials including:
• Wood
• Vinyl
• Metal
• Fiberglass
Some are very ornate and others are quite plain. You will find a huge selection from which to choose. If you are a do-it-yourself type of person, you can find many very easy diagrams and videos that explain how to create a custom window box. Of course you can customize wooden boxes with paint and even some stenciling.
Window Box Placement
As the name implies, window boxes were intended for placement in a window. But you can also display them on decks or deck rails or use them to brighten up any outdoor living area such as a gazebo or a pool area.
If you are going to put the box in a window, it is best to choose a box that is roughly the same size as your window. Some people even opt to build their own window boxes so that they can match the size more precisely.
Choosing Flowers for Window Boxes
Many of the most popular plants and flowers will do well in window boxes with proper care. You can choose from annuals, such as pansies or petunias, or evergreen plants, such as geraniums or miniature roses.
If you are not an experienced gardener, you might want to ask the experts at your local nursery for some advice about which flowers are the best choice.
Winter Tips
Instead of having to remove your window flower boxes during the winter – or leaving them hanging empty – here are some winter window box ideas.
• Use liners in the box so that you can easily remove your plants and flowers and move them indoors for the winter. With proper care you will be able to reuse many of your plants and flowers when the warm weather comes back around.
• Rather than leave the window flower boxes empty, fill them with fruit, pinecones and anything else that reminds you of winter. NOTE: You may want to opt for fake fruit to keep the critters away.
• During the holiday season, use your boxes to create festive displays. Place lighted garland in them and accent with red bows.
Window flower boxes look great and with a bit of creativity they can add to the look of your home all year long.
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