{Window Box and Container Gardening}

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

We've been in our house for 5 summers now. Each year I seem to make one gardening or outdoor goal-one year I put in a raised bed, one year we added a fig tree. Last year, I extended out front flower bed and added a flag holder (rather delegated the tasks to my FIL). This years one goal, I am proud to already have achieved. Again, my FIL made my day, or summer, by drilling into our brick window sill to attach a window box.




I LOVE LOVE LOVE driving up or walking up to our house and seeing it!

Since it's still early in the season, the plants are still getting bigger, but already they look fantastic. I used the same plants that I have in large pots at the front door and on the back patio. For a really full and dramatic look, I like to pick about three plants per container. Each one brings a different element to the look.

One plant cascades, or drapes over the side. My favorites are purple and green sweet potato vine. I also like vinca vine.

Another adds full color. In two pots this year, I'm using lantana because it thrives in the heat and lasts till late fall. In another pot I have dianthus because in our part of Texas it's a perennial and often blooms all year.

The third plant adds dimension-a spiky, tall plant-like an ornamental grass. And if I was a real planner, I'd plant bulbs for surprise height in the spring and fall. Maybe since I'm on a such a roll with achieving my goals, I'll add that one to this years list!


I found a BHG container garden plan that looks JUST LIKE what I've got. I'm wondering if some BHG photog snuck over here last summer...seriously, come back in August, and this is exactly what you'll see:

A. Canna 'Pretoria' -- 2
B. Lantana 'Lucky White' -- 4
C. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Dappled Dawn') -- 1
D. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Dark Frills') -- 2
E. Vinca major 'Variegata' -- 3
F. Melampodium paludosum -- 1
G. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita') -- 1
H. Maidengrass (Miscanthus sinensis) -- 1









Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. Romans 1:20b





If you're visiting from Kimba's Garden Party-thanks for stopping by! Stay for another 30 seconds and check out today's post!

19 Creative People Had This To Say:

~*Michelle*~ said...

GORGEOUS! Yes, I am screaming!

You and my MIL would be best of buds.....she has ginormous pots around her pool that resemble what you have shown.

Not sure where you live (for climate zone factors)......but we live in New England where it is frustrating to have to toss annuals come fall. My MIL clipped down her canna and stored it and it came back this spring.....AND there must have been the roots of the purple sweet potato vine as it came back as well. (just thought I'd pass it along as you mentioned it was your fave)

Thanks for sharing...and inspiring!

Mama Melissa said...

love it!!! :)

Anonymous said...

I really want window boxes too! Maybe one of these days. I was told I was spending too much money on gardening!

Niki Jolene said...

I really really want window boxes now!

:)

Charlotte said...

The first year I planted a sweet potato vine and watched it gown and cascades down the sides of my clay pot like a green waterfall I was hooked on this bright green vine! Very pretty -- now please do me a big favor and ask your husband to please send me your shutters because they would look great on the front of my house. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Charlotte @ simply divine

Teresa said...

I love flower boxes- just wish I could keep mine alive- Yours are fabulous!

Unknown said...

Love the window box, and that wonderful window too!

susan said...

Container gardening is so rewarding! I love to try new plants and work with different colors and textures. Take a look at mine I found at Big Lots!!..digging in the dirt :)

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Okay, now I need window boxes at my house. This confirms it. :)

Deidra said...

Aren't window boxes grand? *Sigh*

Tammy said...

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing! I made some simple window boxes which are not up yet...so I love seeing some inspiration photos! :)

Marie said...

Love that window box - it's fabulous! And those shutters are so cool.

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Cheryl @ a pretty cool life. said...

Looks great!

trish said...

I love your window!!

Decor To Adore said...

I love that you listed the ingredients.

stephanie h said...

I love window boxes too and I know what you mean about loving what you see when you drive up to your home! :)

Christina said...

Oh my! You girls are making me want window boxes. What a wonderful thing that your FIL did for you.

Love the verse at the end of your post.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love window boxes. Yours is great. And thanks for the info on the different types of flowers you plant.

Kimba said...

Gorgeous! And thanks for giving the details of what you planted.

I've been trying to convince my hubby to drill into our brick to attach window boxes but he is resisting.

Thanks for sharing!
Kimba