Read on for our guide to window boxes, and how they can help even those with limited space to add flora and fauna and attract wildlife, in just a few simple steps.
Chose well and choose carefully
It's important to choose a really beautiful looking window box - remember, people outside your property will be able to see it while you'll be looking at it every day. This is where you should spend your money; avoid cheap-looking plastic and buy a good quality window box that suits the style of your property.
If you choose wood, make sure you protect it with a good quality product - go for one that is kind to the environment too. Using a coloured product can also be a way to give it a modern, contemporary look, and this will also help to brighten up the outside of your house too. Try Ronseal's new Woodland Trust Colours range, which is inspired by British woodland. Finally, and this is a must, make sure your window box is securely attached to the window to avoid any accidents!
The right kind of plants for your location
There's a huge variety of plants that can be used in a window box, but before you pay a visit to the garden centre, first consider the conditions that the box will be exposed to. Is it high up, will it be in a wind trap, is it going to be blessed with the sun or covered by shade? If you live on the 20th floor for example, you'll need to go for robust plants that can brace the winds, so avoid trailing plants such as Petunias and instead opt for smaller, stronger, bushier plants. If you're desperate to grow some trailing plants, then try basic ivies as their thick glossy leaves and wiry stems can cope more readily. Equally, if you're on the ground floor then you can really go to town with more decorative, delicate plants.
Layout and design
Because window boxes tend to be long and narrow, some gardeners end up choosing a single subject and planting them in a row, which can look very arty, but one species of plant won't encourage a very wide range of wildlife. To attract plenty of wildlife go for a range of different plants, in terms of size and texture, and also consider the layout - by arranging plants in a zig zag fashion it will look more natural, and you can often fit more plants in.
What to plant
This is obviously key. Firstly, plant a basic framework of evergreens such as variegated Euonymus fortunei, miniature conifers and Hebes to give year round interest, while leaving gaps to put in seasonal colour which can be replaced as it fades. For summer planting try Petunias, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Impatiens and Snapdragons which are all great for butterflies and bees.
Scented plants add an extra dimension to your planting scheme; you'll benefit not only from the lovely smell drifting into your property, but also from their attractive blooms. Try Sweet Williams, Violets, Lavender, Scented Geraniums and small Daphnes.
Similarly, if cooking is your thing, window boxes are perfect for growing culinary herbs. For sunnier southern facing locations you can grow Mediterranean herbs while more shady locations will accommodate more leafy varieties such as mints, chives and parsley. And if you're really pushed for space, choose the smallest varieties like Miniature Thymes, 'Blue Boy' Rosemary and Dwarf Moss-curled Parsley.
Attracting wildlife
Despite what you might think, even a window box in a block of flats can attract wildlife and choosing plants with berries, fruits and seeds will attract birds. Those with lots of nectar and pollen and a long flowering season will be great for attracting butterflies, bees and other types of beneficial insects. It's also ideal if you can mix in some native plants as these will attract lots of wildlife.
However, be very selective, as lots of native plants get very big and grow very quickly so do your homework! Putting in plants that flower early in spring or late in the autumn will not only make your window box stay attractive for longer, but it also provides food for wildlife when there is less around. Ladybirds and other insects also use sheltered places, like window boxes, as places to hibernate.
For more information visit www.ronseal.co.uk or www.WoodlandTrust.org.uk/Ronseal.
