Window boxes on the front of a home fill it with undeniable charm. It doesn’t matter whether you fill them with petunias, ivy, coleus or miniature evergreens, window boxes are always pleasing. While you could build custom wooden window boxes for your home, lightweight portable window boxes are a fast and easy way to go.

Attaching Portable Window Boxes

Local nurseries, as well as hardware stores, home improvement stores and discount stores, all carry a variety of lightweight portable window boxes in an array of sizes, colors and materials. Choose a design and color that complements your home in a size that is close to the width of your windows. Lightweight plastic window boxes with built-in drainage trays are ideal: They come in many different colors, even rivaling the look of terra cotta or wrought iron at a fraction of the weight. You will also need two brackets for each box; if a box is especially large or heavy, a third bracket to support the center of the box is a good idea. Remember that the brackets must support not just the weight of the box: The weight of added soil and plants can be quite heavy, especially when water is added. The brackets should be a few inches longer than the depth of your boxes.

To install, measure the depth of the window box from front to back and mark this measurement on each bracket, leaving enough space for the box to sit securely on the brackets. Bend the fronts of the brackets in an upward position, forming a lip that will keep the box from sliding off the brackets. Then install the brackets under the window using sturdy long screws. The benefit of this type of installation is that you can remove the boxes at any time to replant them or clean the windows without having to unscrew them from the brackets.

Now Add the Plants!
You can plant your boxes with whatever varieties of flowers and greenery that appeal to you; just be sure to meet the light requirements of the plants. For example, full sun plants, such as petunias, won’t do well on the dark north side of your house.

Don’t feel limited to annual flowers and vines either. You can plant a window box full of herbs outside your kitchen window or make a flower arrangement a little more interesting by adding some small perennials to the display. You can transplant the perennials to the garden at the end of the season or treat them like annuals and toss them. Also, don’t limit yourself to only summer season plantings. Pansies and potted daffodils are especially welcome in the spring, while mums, ornamental kale and green plants can refresh your window boxes when summer flowers start to fade. You can even tuck in a few miniature pumpkins or gourds to greet the season. In winter, push bare branches and cut evergreens into the soil before it freezes and add pinecones or seasonal decorations for the holidays.

With a little creativity, you’ll find that window boxes can keep your home in step with the seasons all year long.

Author Bio: While looking for an opportunity in decorating Angela Glancy found herself working with AmericanArtisanArt.com where she developed her own unique style for butterfly art decor and pelican bird wall decor.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: home, design, online store, decorating, remodeling, improvement, organizing