New England may currently be covered in more snow, but this lousy March weather can't stop me from fantasizing about April and May flowers. Lately, I've been drawn to window boxes, especially when they aren't your average perennials, or your average containers. When planning your plants, here are 5 inspirational ways to think outside the (window) box.
1. Window boxes need not be relegated to windows. Lining creeping plants along a balcony or outdoor railing adds a soft edge to city living and increases privacy.
2. Martha Stewart takes the railing concept and raises a wall. By hanging planters at different heights (or using standing planters of varying sizes), you can create a secret garden feel.
3. Don't just showcase your green thumb, share your interests. These wooden planters would be pretty yet plain if not for the book spines painted along them.
4. Dirt not your style? Grab some mismatched containers and display some cut blooms on a windowsill or outdoor ledge.
5. Pot your plants and line them up. The classic look of terracotta add an earthy quality to this option. This would look equally lovely inside your window, on a porch or balcony.
MORE WINDOW BOXES ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• The Urban Gardener: Window Boxes
• Indoor Window Box Ideas
• 10 Colorful & Low Maintenance Window Box Plants
(Images: 1. FreeFoto, 2. Martha Stewart, 3. Valerie Easton, 4. Red Online, 5. Garden Requisites)
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I've never LOVED window boxes until I saw the ones with the book spines painted on them! WOW! Definitely need to try that.
Great ideas! I want the first one for myself!
Is anyone familiar with NYC laws for fire escapes - I'm aware and completely understand that you can't have pots/bags/anything obstructing your route to the ladders, but what about a subtle window box on the outside of the railing?
My apt in NYC faces a major high, are there plants or flowers that could hold up to that much exhaust coming towards them?
In my experience with window boxes, pots in a frame, as shown in photo 5, is the most efficient system. The plants can be switched out fast if one fails or you want variety or if seasons change. You can even bring them indoors to be watered. (Watering being a major hassle for some urban-dwellers.) It's hard to change plants in a single box unless you do them all at once.
It hailed this morning. Hailed! I can't wait for the better weather so I can get going on my balcony.
This is what I did last year, inspired by AT posts. I'm hoping to have something a little more cohesive and better planned this year.
http://dodiegoldney.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/creative-thinking-accidental-organizing/