Ree Drummond has a deep love for flowers. Earlier this spring, when she and her husband Ladd went on vacation to Vail, Colorado, they shared a picture, and her daughter Alex joked, “Hopefully your dahlias are still alive when you come home.” Ree’s garden has become a peaceful escape for her. Not only does it look beautiful, but she also finds it relaxing to care for. As Ree has mentioned, “My garden has been a daily dive into horticultural bliss.”
If you don’t have the time or space for a garden but still want fresh flowers this fall, window boxes are a great option. They add charm to your home, brighten your mood whenever you come home, and can even make your house stand out in your neighborhood.
How to Set Up a Window Box
Creating a window box is easier than you might think. The hardest part is choosing which flowers to plant. There are so many options! But don’t worry – experts have a formula to help you create a stunning flower box. Daryl Beyers, a landscape designer and author of The New Gardener’s Handbook, shares his tips below.
Step 1: Choose the Right Box
Make sure the window box has good drainage, with at least one drainage hole per foot of length. It should also be at least one foot deep for the roots. If you’re using a wooden box, protect it with a plastic liner, and poke holes in the liner for drainage.
Step 2: Add Potting Mix
Regular soil is too heavy for window boxes. Use potting mix instead – it drains better and keeps the flowers moist. Leave about an inch or two of space at the top so water won’t spill over the edges.
Step 3: Plan the Design
Before planting, arrange the flowers in the box while they’re still in their pots. This will help you see how the plants look together.
Step 4: Plant Carefully
Take each flower out of its pot and gently loosen the roots. Make small holes in the potting mix with a trowel, then plant each flower. Remove any damaged leaves, cut off old blooms, and water them well.
Best Flowers for Window Boxes
To make a beautiful window box, gardeners suggest combining three types of plants: thrillers, fillers, and spillers.
Thrillers
Thrillers are the stars of the show. These plants rise above the others, making a bold statement with tall leaves, bright flowers, or striking colors. Thrillers set the overall style of the window box, whether you want it to look dramatic or elegant.
Calla Lilies: These flowers come in many colors, from deep purples to soft yellows.
Showy Sage: This plant can grow up to three feet tall and attracts butterflies.
Elephant Ears: Known for their large, tropical leaves, they can grow as big as a car tire.
Fillers
Fillers are used to fill the space around the thrillers. They add depth and cover any bare stems. Choose plants with lush leaves and lots of flowers to play with colors and textures.
Begonias: Some varieties prefer sun, while others prefer shade. There’s a begonia for every light condition.
Heliotrope: Known for its lovely vanilla scent, this flower often has dark edges and light centers.
New Guinea Impatiens: These are sun-loving flowers, unlike the traditional impatiens that prefer shade.
Spillers
Spillers are plants that grow over the edges of the window box, trailing down to create a soft, flowing look.
Nasturtiums: These colorful flowers love the sun and are edible – perfect for adding to a salad!
Sweet Potato Vine: This vine can grow up to 10 feet long and comes in colors like green, purple, and copper.
Million Bells: These low-maintenance flowers bloom continuously, and the spent flowers fall off on their own.
By following this guide, you can easily create a vibrant window box that will make your home look beautiful and welcoming!