If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the windows are the eyes of the home. Through windows, visitors and passersby can catch a glimpse of the homeowners living inside. From traditional furniture to eclectic art, objects inside windows say a lot about the people living amongst them. Just as eye shadow and mascara are used to accentuate eyes, more and more homeowners are using window boxes to give their homes texture and richness.
The grandest, and earliest, images of window boxes were conjured from descriptions of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although there are no written Babylonian documents guaranteeing the location of the lush, vibrant gardens, legends of the beauty have been passed along since 600 BC. According to Greek historians, the gardens were built by Nebuchadnezzar II to remind his wife, Amyitis, of her homeland. Amyitis was from green, flourishing countryside, much different than Babylon—present-day Iraq.
Regardless of the truth about the historic hanging gardens, images of beautiful trees and flowers growing from stone structures sparked the invention of window boxes known today.
The key to hanging window boxes is to find the right box. The container should reflect the architectural style of the space while providing adequate function. Wooden window boxes make a great accent to country cottages while aging gracefully. However, the wooden containers require maintenance. Plastic window boxes are lightweight, which is an advantage to boxes mounted on fences and railings, but they are less eye-catching.
From terra-cotta window boxes with intricate detailing, to woven baskets lined with moss, there is a window box suited for every home. Along with a variety of styles, window boxes come in an array of sizes. Window boxes tend to bring more balance to a space when they are slightly larger than the window.
Window boxes should be mounted a few inches away from the home or building to keep moisture from damaging building materials. Boxes should either come with drainage holes already in the bottom, or they should have holes put in the bottom. These drainage holes keep the plants from being over-watered. However, boxes need a sealant to prevent leakage.
Drainage material used will depend on the window box chosen for the project. The moss used to line basket boxes will also act as a drainage system. Other boxes, such as terra-cotta, need a layer of gravel or Styrofoam to prevent soil leakage. There is no need to use a layer of drainage material in plastic window boxes.
The location of window boxes and the plants used in the window boxes need to be carefully planned to ensure proper sunlight and shading. Select plants and flowers that need the amount of sunlight received by the window box once it has been placed on the house. Window boxes need regular watering, especially if they are located in full sun.
Now that the window boxes have been selected and mounted in an optimal location, it is time to add some color and texture. There are several options when it comes to planting flowers in window boxes. A single flower, such as red tulips, can be planted for a uniformed look. Two rows of different flowers, such as geraniums and petunias, can add some dimension to the box. A staggered formation of three rows of different plants creates a full window box with a variety of heights and colors. The taller plants should be planted in the back of the box, and other rows of plants should be staggered to fill the box.
Whether a window box adds formality to a Colonial home or personality to a rented apartment, these small containers allow homeowners to create their own personality in a small, manageable space. Change window boxes each season to update the space, or plant a year-round window box garden to enjoy maintenance-free foliage.