Window Box Gardening

From the beginning of spring, having annuals and blooming flowers will brighten your garden and your life.  Annuals can be grown in hanging baskets, which can be filled with flowers and foliage, and won’t take up a spot in your garden.  It’s a great way to save space and to appreciate these beautiful flowers which only last for part of the year.  If you’re interested in filling a hanging basket, March or April tend to be the best times of the year.  Flowers you might consider include Impatiens, Begonias, Cosmos, Geraniums, or Snapdragons.  These flowers come in a variety of colors and different combinations will compliment each other better. 

Whichever annuals you choose, be sure to water your hanging baskets daily in hot weather, and once every two or three days in rainy or moderate weather.  This will ensure their survival through the summer months.

When people think of wreaths and garlands, typically they only think of the classic holly or pine weaves traditional for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.  However, wreaths and garlands can be used for most any holiday occasion, including Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and Easter.  Wreaths and garlands tailored to these holidays will include items suited to that particular season or theme.  Thanksgiving wreaths might include autumn leaves, small pumpkins, or berries, while an Easter silk garland would have pastel colors and colored eggs. 

Wreaths and garlands are a great way to dress up your home, and regardless of the occasion, will add festivity and seasonal appeal.

Why not bring your garden urns indoors to use as accent pieces during the holidays and winter months?  You can use your decorative urns in many creative ways - with or without plants. 
 

If you want to plant your outdoor iron planter or containers for indoor use, insert a plastic liner in the pot to prevent leaks when watering.  Sphagnum moss can be used to fill any gaps if the interior of the pot is still visible.  For lower maintenance, use dried flowers with branches and twigs with seasonal dried berries, or design topiary shapes made of moss and grapevines.  Add Christmas balls and white lights for a festive nighttime look.  Even unplanted, wrought iron plant urns with elegant pedestals can be a dramatic sculptural focal point. 

Here are few more tips for using outdoor planters indoors:

 •   Keep an interesting large urn or planter by your door to catch umbrellas or gloves,  mittens, hats or other winter belongings.
 •   Fill a container with unusual gourds and small pumpkins. 

 •   An elegant planter can be used by your fireplace as a place to store kindling.

     With a little creativity, your planters and garden urns can be versatile and elegant enough to bring indoors for year-round enjoyment.