WINDOW BOXES THAT WILL ADD A WOW FACTOR TO YOUR HOME

Following a trip to Germany and France Bonnie Helander found herself fascinated by the many window boxes bursting with colorful blooms. In every town she visited? she noticed more and more and wondered why this type of container gardening is not more common in America. In her article which I found on the Fayette Woman website Bonnie gives advice on how to choose and plant your own window box.

A?few years ago, I took a trip to Germany and France, where I found myself captivated by the many window boxes bursting with Alpine geraniums and other blooms on buildings in every small town and large city. No matter how elaborate or quaint the structure, the window boxes added charm and a warm welcome.

I have wondered since then why we don?t utilize this delightful gardening motif more often in our own American gardens. Nothing adds such style, curb appeal and the ?wow? factor to the exterior of our homes as colorful window boxes filled with an assortment of blooming plants. So why not give it a try and add a window box or two (or three) to your home this summer?
How to Choose a Window Box
Window box materials come in a wide range of choices including wood, wrought iron, terracotta, composite, plastic, fiberglass, copper, and treated metal. Choose a material that complements your home?s exterior style and color. Purchase boxes that are well made and durable. Red cedar is a good choice if you want a wooden box, as it is naturally insect and weather resistant. If you choose another type of wood, make sure it has been treated with a finish to prevent rotting. You can also purchase liners made from coconut fiber, preserved moss, or plastic. If you want to forego daily watering, add a self-watering reservoir system.

Size Matters!
Window boxes should be large and in proportion to your windows and house to make a big statement. Select a box size that is at least as wide as your window or wider if the boxes are on upper-level windows. Remember that the larger the container, the more plants you can add and the bigger the impact. Larger window boxes also require less watering, which means less maintenance! To ensure good root growth, make sure your boxes are at least 6 to 8 inches deep.