May Your Window Boxes Wow!

​During a magical journey through the Scottish countryside, I was captivated by the quaint beauty of Edinburgh and its vibrant cottage gardens adorned with window boxes. Since then, these charming little gardens have held a special place in my heart.

Now, as a homeowner, I've transformed my landscape with an array of annuals and perennials, yet my window sills remain bare. This blog is all about bringing the magic of window boxes to your home, especially in the delightful summers of the Adirondacks!

What Flowers Do Well in Boxes in the North East?

For starters, flowers with shallow roots do well in boxes and ones that don't mind a cozy environment. Also, consider the direction your boxes are facing. The following is a short sampling of both sun and shade options.

Sun annuals:

Petunias, bidens, lobelia, verbena, calibrochoa, geranium

Ipomea (Sweet potato vine), alyssum, diascia to name a few.

Part shade annuals:

Begonia, ivy, impatiens (New Guinea and regular) and ferns.

Don't overlook perennials like heuchera, which not only flourish in containers but also offer a variety of colors and textures. Bonus: many perennials can be planted in the ground at the end of the season.

Planting Tips for Picture-Perfect Window Boxes

The key to breathtaking window boxes lies in preparation and arrangement:

Prepare by choosing a high-quality potting mix that suits the plant variety, but offers season-long nutrients and plenty of drainage. Speaking of drainage, make sure your boxes have drainage holes.

When arranging plants aim for a balanced look with various sizes and colors. Think 'thriller, spiller, filler'—a focal point, trailing vines, and smaller plants for cohesion.

Size: Mix and match shapes and sizes, but to create a unified look, arrange plants so that the eye is drawn to a focal point (think big blooms) and surround this by smaller blooms around the edges, or for filling in. Also, balance out your container with alternating heights, such as tall flowers or plants towards the back and shorter more compact ones up front and a bit spilling over the edges.

Color: Color is a personal choice, but consider color harmony by combining shades from the same color family or contrasting hues for a striking display.

As always, wait till Memorial Day, as a freeze can damage tender plants, such as annuals.

With these tips, your window boxes will surely become the envy of the neighborhood, adding a touch of charm and color to your home sweet home!