Bring Back the Window Box: Flowers and Edibles for Every Season
Window boxes may have fallen out of vogue, but with our gardens shrinking in size it's time to bring back the box
Julia Fairley
10 September 2017
Chief Sub-Editor and Writer, Houzz Australia and New Zealand. I love design and architecture that is thoughtful, sophisticated and champions an element of the unexpected. Before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts at UNSW and becoming a journalist, I studied interior architecture. For over a decade I have interviewed inspiring creative minds from around the world to write about design in its many different forms. Recently, I have also become an accidental gardener, to everyone's surprise.
Chief Sub-Editor and Writer, Houzz Australia and New Zealand. I love design and architecture... More
You don’t need to own a house to enjoy a window box; even the smallest rental apartment window can be revitalised by a vista of flowers and greenery. Window boxes are also great for growing herbs and edibles, so if you want some plants but are short on space, think inside the box.
Plant thrillers, fillers and spillers
If you’re unsure how to design your window box, follow the rule of green thumb and plant ‘thrillers, fillers and spillers’. Thrillers are plants that make an impact and are usually tall – plant these towards the back of your window box, closest to the glass. Fillers give your window box some volume and help fill it out – plant these along the midline of your window box. And spillers are plants that have a cascading habit and trail over the edges – these are planted near the front and sides.
If you’re unsure how to design your window box, follow the rule of green thumb and plant ‘thrillers, fillers and spillers’. Thrillers are plants that make an impact and are usually tall – plant these towards the back of your window box, closest to the glass. Fillers give your window box some volume and help fill it out – plant these along the midline of your window box. And spillers are plants that have a cascading habit and trail over the edges – these are planted near the front and sides.
Plant herbs for a constant supply
Eager to decorate your window box with edibles? Look no further than herbs. Dried herbs don’t even come close to rivalling the flavour of their freshly picked friends, and you’ll thank yourself with every meal you cook. They are also some of the easiest plants to grow, so are perfect for beginners. This portable window box is filled with staples – sage, rosemary and basil – which are easy to grow and can even thrive with a little neglect.
Tip: Place a planter on a window ledge for an instant, portable window box with no drilling required.
Eager to decorate your window box with edibles? Look no further than herbs. Dried herbs don’t even come close to rivalling the flavour of their freshly picked friends, and you’ll thank yourself with every meal you cook. They are also some of the easiest plants to grow, so are perfect for beginners. This portable window box is filled with staples – sage, rosemary and basil – which are easy to grow and can even thrive with a little neglect.
Tip: Place a planter on a window ledge for an instant, portable window box with no drilling required.
Grow an edible garden
Nothing beats the convenience of reaching your arm out the kitchen window and picking fresh salad greens for dinner, so if you’ve been flirting with the idea of growing edibles, take inspiration from this window box. For a deep maroon, look to radicchio or mignonette lettuce and for tall striking red stalks, plant Swiss chard or red-veined sorrel. Mixed with lettuce and some pansies, you’ll have a window box that tastes as good as it looks.
Tip: Lettuce, rocket and spinach grow well in containers and can be grown year-round in most Australian climes.
Growing Edibles on a Balcony
Nothing beats the convenience of reaching your arm out the kitchen window and picking fresh salad greens for dinner, so if you’ve been flirting with the idea of growing edibles, take inspiration from this window box. For a deep maroon, look to radicchio or mignonette lettuce and for tall striking red stalks, plant Swiss chard or red-veined sorrel. Mixed with lettuce and some pansies, you’ll have a window box that tastes as good as it looks.
Tip: Lettuce, rocket and spinach grow well in containers and can be grown year-round in most Australian climes.
Growing Edibles on a Balcony
Flowering annual plants
Gardeners who change their plants with the seasons to ensure year-round flowers are like rare, treasured gems – most people prefer planting annuals or perennials as they put on a show for longer than one season. If this approach appeals, fill your window box with petunias in white (or any colour of your choosing) and add some blue, purple and white lobelia for a trailing effect. Here, white bacopa flowers cascade from the hanging basket and bloom year ’round, even in shady spots.
Gardeners who change their plants with the seasons to ensure year-round flowers are like rare, treasured gems – most people prefer planting annuals or perennials as they put on a show for longer than one season. If this approach appeals, fill your window box with petunias in white (or any colour of your choosing) and add some blue, purple and white lobelia for a trailing effect. Here, white bacopa flowers cascade from the hanging basket and bloom year ’round, even in shady spots.
Summer-flowering plants
For an instant injection of scented colour in the warmer months, lavender has you covered. This summer-flowering plant comes in three main varieties: English, French and Italian/Spanish, which all grow well in various regions in Australia and are prized for their mauve blooms. Here, white petunias bring a burst of brightness and join the lavender by flowering in summer.
For an instant injection of scented colour in the warmer months, lavender has you covered. This summer-flowering plant comes in three main varieties: English, French and Italian/Spanish, which all grow well in various regions in Australia and are prized for their mauve blooms. Here, white petunias bring a burst of brightness and join the lavender by flowering in summer.
Autumn-flowering plants
Plenty of plants take centre stage in the cooler months, such as these chrysanthemums with their colourful pompom flowers. Like many autumn-blooming plants, these come into their own after the height of summer. Begonias, dahlias, daisies and pansies can be used to create a similar look and add a dash of autumn colour. Autumn is also the season to plant bulbs – bury them between other plants in your window box and they’ll surprise you in spring when most autumn and winter-flowering blooms are fading.
Plenty of plants take centre stage in the cooler months, such as these chrysanthemums with their colourful pompom flowers. Like many autumn-blooming plants, these come into their own after the height of summer. Begonias, dahlias, daisies and pansies can be used to create a similar look and add a dash of autumn colour. Autumn is also the season to plant bulbs – bury them between other plants in your window box and they’ll surprise you in spring when most autumn and winter-flowering blooms are fading.
Winter-flowering plants
Although deciduous plants may look a little lacklustre, other flowers spring to life in winter. This window box features an evergreen bed of variegated ivy, winter-flowering white cyclamen, a sprinkling of winter pansies and yellow chillies to provide a pop of colour. Many early flowering bulbs also wake from their slumber and greet us in winter, such as snowdrops and snowflakes and some narcissus daffodils.
Tip: Extend your flowering period by successively planting bulbs and plants that bloom early, mid and late in each season.
Although deciduous plants may look a little lacklustre, other flowers spring to life in winter. This window box features an evergreen bed of variegated ivy, winter-flowering white cyclamen, a sprinkling of winter pansies and yellow chillies to provide a pop of colour. Many early flowering bulbs also wake from their slumber and greet us in winter, such as snowdrops and snowflakes and some narcissus daffodils.
Tip: Extend your flowering period by successively planting bulbs and plants that bloom early, mid and late in each season.
Spring-flowering plants
What plant doesn’t flower in spring? Well, a few, though if you’re after beautiful blooms when the weather warms up, you’ll have your pick of the bunch at your local nursery. Here, pink geraniums – one of the most traditional window box blooms – have been underplanted with variegated ivy and surrounded by roses and climbing ivy.
Tip: Evergreen plants such as ivy are great for adding a verdant splash to your window box all year round.
The Lingo Every Novice Gardener Needs to Know
What plant doesn’t flower in spring? Well, a few, though if you’re after beautiful blooms when the weather warms up, you’ll have your pick of the bunch at your local nursery. Here, pink geraniums – one of the most traditional window box blooms – have been underplanted with variegated ivy and surrounded by roses and climbing ivy.
Tip: Evergreen plants such as ivy are great for adding a verdant splash to your window box all year round.
The Lingo Every Novice Gardener Needs to Know
Flowers for shade
Because most plants require ample direct sunshine for photosynthesis, it’s harder to find flowers for shady spots, though not impossible. This window box embraces a classic green and white colour scheme with variegated ivy and maidenhair ferns cascading over the edges, while a coleus is surrounded by white impatiens. Australian native violets, snowdrop and snowflake bulbs and the heavenly scented lily of the valley also thrive in full shade so add them to your list.
Because most plants require ample direct sunshine for photosynthesis, it’s harder to find flowers for shady spots, though not impossible. This window box embraces a classic green and white colour scheme with variegated ivy and maidenhair ferns cascading over the edges, while a coleus is surrounded by white impatiens. Australian native violets, snowdrop and snowflake bulbs and the heavenly scented lily of the valley also thrive in full shade so add them to your list.
Window boxes on wheels
Portable window boxes are ideal if you’re renting or need to move your plants around so they get as much sunlight as possible. To make a window box ‘portable’ it can be as simple as placing a planter on a window ledge rather than permanently affixing it to your wall. You can also buy or, if you fancy a DIY project, make your own wheeled planter like this one then roll it beneath your window for instant greenery. Voila! Planter boxes get heavy when filled with potting mix, so placing yours on wheels can save you from straining your back when shifting its position.
Portable window boxes are ideal if you’re renting or need to move your plants around so they get as much sunlight as possible. To make a window box ‘portable’ it can be as simple as placing a planter on a window ledge rather than permanently affixing it to your wall. You can also buy or, if you fancy a DIY project, make your own wheeled planter like this one then roll it beneath your window for instant greenery. Voila! Planter boxes get heavy when filled with potting mix, so placing yours on wheels can save you from straining your back when shifting its position.
Embrace symmetry
Symmetry packs a powerful punch in our gardens as much as our homes. Here, each individual window box is symmetrical both in itself and across the trio of planters. This burst of colour is created by dainty sprays of pink and white gaura (also known as butterfly bush), which wave and mingle among the three boxwood hedges, while purple petunias cascade over the edges.
Tip: Most window boxes are fixed to external walls with brackets like these, which can be easily drilled into even masonry walls.
Symmetry packs a powerful punch in our gardens as much as our homes. Here, each individual window box is symmetrical both in itself and across the trio of planters. This burst of colour is created by dainty sprays of pink and white gaura (also known as butterfly bush), which wave and mingle among the three boxwood hedges, while purple petunias cascade over the edges.
Tip: Most window boxes are fixed to external walls with brackets like these, which can be easily drilled into even masonry walls.
Plant different varieties of the same flowers
Are you fixated on a particular flower or plant and can’t get enough of its pretty little face? If you have a current crush on a breed of blooms, celebrate it, don’t hide it. We’re guessing the owner of this bedazzling window box loves pansies and violets, and why wouldn’t you? There is a cultivar and colour to suit every whim and, depending on your climate, these beautiful blooms can be grown across multiple seasons.
Tip: Some window boxes can be hung over a lip on your balcony, wall or window and the inserts (or pots) lifted in and out.
Browse other great front of house images
Are you fixated on a particular flower or plant and can’t get enough of its pretty little face? If you have a current crush on a breed of blooms, celebrate it, don’t hide it. We’re guessing the owner of this bedazzling window box loves pansies and violets, and why wouldn’t you? There is a cultivar and colour to suit every whim and, depending on your climate, these beautiful blooms can be grown across multiple seasons.
Tip: Some window boxes can be hung over a lip on your balcony, wall or window and the inserts (or pots) lifted in and out.
Browse other great front of house images
Go wild with a colourful mash up
There’s nothing quite like letting loose the aesthetic rules, grabbing armfuls of whichever flowers take your fancy at the nursery, then planting them together to create a colourful mishmash of a window box. While this approach isn’t for everyone, the great thing about plants is that unlike paint colours they rarely clash – somehow, these living beauties find a way to complement each other every time. The finished result will be satisfyingly eclectic.
There’s nothing quite like letting loose the aesthetic rules, grabbing armfuls of whichever flowers take your fancy at the nursery, then planting them together to create a colourful mishmash of a window box. While this approach isn’t for everyone, the great thing about plants is that unlike paint colours they rarely clash – somehow, these living beauties find a way to complement each other every time. The finished result will be satisfyingly eclectic.
Go topiary style
Topiaries usually feature in gardens, though there’s no need for them to stay there if you have space in your window box and enjoy the look of ornamentally shaped plants. This grand window box is simply comprised of three round topiaries. You can create a similar look with boxwood hedges or any other shrubs with thick, dense foliage.
Topiaries usually feature in gardens, though there’s no need for them to stay there if you have space in your window box and enjoy the look of ornamentally shaped plants. This grand window box is simply comprised of three round topiaries. You can create a similar look with boxwood hedges or any other shrubs with thick, dense foliage.
Include trees for screening
Most window boxes are used to beautify a view, though if the window in question lacks privacy you may want to use plants for screening. To mimic this look plant young fir trees with ivy and let them create the privacy for you. Fruit trees such as blueberry bushes are also ideal for screening and offer a delicious bounty – just make sure you choose an evergreen variety.
Most window boxes are used to beautify a view, though if the window in question lacks privacy you may want to use plants for screening. To mimic this look plant young fir trees with ivy and let them create the privacy for you. Fruit trees such as blueberry bushes are also ideal for screening and offer a delicious bounty – just make sure you choose an evergreen variety.
Get festive
If window boxes feature on your front facade, you can easily use them to make a seasonal statement. This festive Christmas-inspired arrangement is resplendent with ivy, pinecones and berries as a salute to the silly season. For those who have the festive spirit and the time, consider mixing up your planting as a nod to special occasions and not just the changing seasons.
If window boxes feature on your front facade, you can easily use them to make a seasonal statement. This festive Christmas-inspired arrangement is resplendent with ivy, pinecones and berries as a salute to the silly season. For those who have the festive spirit and the time, consider mixing up your planting as a nod to special occasions and not just the changing seasons.
Embrace branches for winter decoration
Here’s one for the black thumbs – what better way to ensure you don’t kill your plants than using branches that are already dead? Source some magnolia branches in the early stages of budding for a fuzzy textural element, cherry blossom branches for a sculptural accent, willow for a weeping effect, cotton branches for their fluffy white plumes, or simply scour your neighbourhood after a windy day and see what gifts the trees have dropped. Craft lovers may even want to spray paint branches in white, silver or gold for a point of difference.
Here’s one for the black thumbs – what better way to ensure you don’t kill your plants than using branches that are already dead? Source some magnolia branches in the early stages of budding for a fuzzy textural element, cherry blossom branches for a sculptural accent, willow for a weeping effect, cotton branches for their fluffy white plumes, or simply scour your neighbourhood after a windy day and see what gifts the trees have dropped. Craft lovers may even want to spray paint branches in white, silver or gold for a point of difference.
Bring window boxes inside
Who says window boxes can’t sit on the inside of our windows? Certainly not us! This elegant home has reversed the traditional planter placement and created in-built ones indoors, where white orchids stand tall and proud. If you live in an area with cold winters this approach is kinder to your plants, and they’re likely to get more frequent waterings from forgetful gardeners being inside the home than out.
Tell us
Do you have a window box or a favourite flower you’d love to plant? Tell us in the comments below and don’t forget to bookmark, like or share this story.
More
Browse stories about outdoor areas
Who says window boxes can’t sit on the inside of our windows? Certainly not us! This elegant home has reversed the traditional planter placement and created in-built ones indoors, where white orchids stand tall and proud. If you live in an area with cold winters this approach is kinder to your plants, and they’re likely to get more frequent waterings from forgetful gardeners being inside the home than out.
Tell us
Do you have a window box or a favourite flower you’d love to plant? Tell us in the comments below and don’t forget to bookmark, like or share this story.
More
Browse stories about outdoor areas
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I've had the same experience tretrenta. Have always marvelled at the window boxes in European towns and cities, yet my simple geraniums get very straggly. I think our first level south facing environment is quite harsh. I am sure at least annual replenishing of soil and root triming, regular trimming and dead leaf removal. Seasol good for roots and acquasol good for flowers. Annuals require at least weekly attention.
Water...every day, but do not drown! For more tips follow this link http://homeguides.sfgate.com/proper-care-window-boxes-46324.html