Window Boxes MINIATURE GARDENS
Window boxes may be part of a “vertical garden” that includes pots and urns, hanging baskets, wall trellises, and even a pergola ( an open- roofed porch structure that accommodates climbers). Even just one well- proportioned and nicely planted box adds ap
TRADITIONAL PLANTS
Selecting plants is the fun part. Consider how many hours of full sun the box will get. Be honest: are you a weekend gardener or will you deadhead every day? Combine plants that offer height, strong form, low massing, and a vining or cascading habit.
Use a clean, organic, mixed potting medium developed for containers. Loosen root balls; don’t plant too deep, but do crowd plants a bit for lushness in a short season. Using a liquid organic fertilizer regularly keeps plants blooming. Overfeeding causes plants to grow too quickly, making them spindly rather than lush. But do water generously, probably daily, preferably in the early morning or evening. A watering wand with a ratcheting head applies an even stream without damaging blooms. Self-watering systems (with hollow pipe to wick water, like the ‘Wickinator’) cut watering maintenance by a third, and let you go on vacation.
Gardeners refer to container selections as “thrillers, fillers, and spillers.” Thrillers rise dramatically as focal points. Fillers soften the base and add fullness. Spillers cascade over the sides. Evenings are cool until June in much of the country, so don’t plant too early. Of course, choose flowers that bloom throughout the season. Use larger plants— cannas, caladiums—in porch boxes. Ferns and single petunias are good filler for shady locations.