A flower box (sometimes called a window box, window flower box, or box planter) is box that is usually placed outdoors and used for displaying live plants like flowers, herbs or other edible plants. It is often used by apartment-dwellers on higher floors, which do not otherwise have access to a garden or place to grow their plants. Easy access to your mini garden is very possible with a window flower box installed in your window.
There are a lot of materials that can be used to create a flower window box. Several of which are wood, brick, metal, fiberglass, vinyl, and cellular PVC. All these can be used to create a window box but wood is a preferred classic material amongst all. A typical wooden box will last at least 3-5 years but with paining and maintenance, it may even go as far as 10-15 years. For areas where insect infestation is widespread, it would be better to use Fiberglass – it is known to be lightweight and insect proof. Lastly, for those avoiding rot or siding damage, Vinyl and cellular PVC would be the best choice. It is made of plastic which is completely rot proof.
Window boxes can be installed under a window and supported by brackets thus the name window box. On another note – a flower box can be used to line decks, patios, porches, steps, and sidewalks and they can even be hung from railroads. A flower window box is one of the most common types of flower boxes; it is a charming feature for any home when matched with a good choice of flowers to plant. Larger boxes about 10-12 "in height can be used to plant items that need more root space.
A flower box can enhance the beauty of your home, make the best of the little space you have or bring life to a dull apartment but not enough without the right choice of flower or plant. Pick plants that would suit the environment – consider the climate of your location and the amount of sunlight the window boxes get. You can plant flowers that will be able to go with the season which would mean you would need to change plant, season after season. If you do not have time to do this as often as that, you can plant annually. There are flowers that are good annual plants like petunias, marigolds, and Snapdragons. During winter, planting Pansies and flowering kale will give your mini garden some color.
