Starved for space but wish to have an indoor garden? Consider window boxes

If you've been to Europe or America, walked around in the narrow lanes and gazed at the tall buildings around, you may have noticed how every home, big or small seems to have a charming window box replete with pretty flowers, basking in the sun. There is something very Parisian-chic about window boxes that can add charm and colour to both your house's interiors as well as exteriors. But if you are a history geek, you'd find that ancient Romans used them first. They were then adopted by the rest of Europe and later, window boxes found their way to America. Today, they are found everywhere. If you live in the city, amid the proverbial 'concrete jungle', with no access to a roof, balcony or a garden to exercise your green thumb, window boxes may be the perfect fit for you. Subhashini Chandramani, a Bangalore-based botanical artist and an author says, "Window boxes are convenient and beautiful if taken care of. Ensuring a well-drained box, avoiding overcrowding it, weeding, and by adding fertiliser regularly, one can have a colourful box all through the year."

A Touch of Green

窗户框,顾名思义,是布鲁里溃疡t flower boxes that are hung just below the sill of a window. If you don't have enough balcony space in your apartment, you can try hanging them from the railings of the window. According to Ravisha Merchant, an interior designer and owner of Trivera Designs, window boxes are a great idea for city apartments. "When it comes to designing a space, it is always a plus to bring the outdoors ‘in' and come close to nature. Window boxes not only add aesthetic value to the front of your home and boost the character of the facade but also serve a huge need for city balconies where high-rise residents can't hope for anything more than to look at their favourite plants in a box."

For those who have no space for a balcony, terrace or a lawn can experiment with window boxes. Photo credit: Geography Photos/ Getty Images

Ideal for Small Homes

Space comes at a premium these days—therefore it's important to make the most of what is available without compromising on decor ideals. With some sturdy hardware and good workmanship, you can easily create your own patch of garden, no matter the size of your apartment, or its height. "Window boxes are versatile when it comes to the choice of greens and decorations; you can always think of ways to use them near window openings, include them in your formal sitting and even use them vertically to accentuate walls," adds Merchant.

Materials Needed

Window boxes come in a wide variety of materials. From stone to PVC, from wood to metal, you will find plenty in the market. You can decide on a particular type of material depending on factors such as amount of sunlight the window receives, the strength of the material and your budget. Chandramani adds, "Whatever be the material, a well-drained box is important for longevity. Fibre glass boxes are currently liked by many as it can be kept inside an iron railing. It also weighs much lighter than the cemented ones."

Following are the different kinds of window boxes to consider:

Wood

One of the most popular materials for window boxes in Europe, wood is a versatile material that can enhance the exterior aesthetic of any home without clashing with its style. You can also use it as a DIY project and customise it to suit your window. A big disadvantage of wood window boxes is that they are susceptible to rotting and hence require a lot of maintenance, including sealing wood for the plants to thrive.

Terracotta

Usually used for making plant pots, this is only a natural choice while considering a window box. It is a simple, breathable material that can last you years with proper care. However, since they can become quite heavy with soil and moisture, it is best to secure them with proper brackets or a wrought iron frame, that will add to the cost of your already expensive window box.

Metal

Aluminium and copper are the most common and durable materials used for window boxes. Aluminium is rust-free and light and copper actually adds nutrients to the soil that will help your plants blossom. But in a tropical country like ours, you will have to place them on a window that does not get too much sun, or at least has some shading. Merchant is a big proponent of this material, "I really like to use metallic window boxes in dust gold & copper finish in varied shapes and sizes for the living and dining space. You don't need a long window box to create a stunning display. A row of individual vases and pots can make a big style statement." Metal window boxes are very expensive, so that needs to be factored in while deciding on which type of window box you want for your home.

You can choose to have a wood, terracotta or metal window box. Photo credit: DEA/ BALDIZZONE/ Getty Image

Expert Tips for Beginners by Subhashini Chandramani

It is essential to decide what type of plants one wants to grow. One can start with herbs like rosemary, mint, basil and lemon grass. Perennial plants like Geranium, Chrysanthemum, table rose and globe amaranth are great flowering varieties. Spider plant, Begonia, and horsetail grass, should be chosen if you want plenty of greenery. Succulents also make a beautiful box provided it is in shade.

Changing the plants in your window box according to the different seasons is good for the soil, but sometimes the boxes are placed in such a way that it is an arduous job to cycle along with seasons. In that case, it is best to have simple plants that don't grow tall but maintain greenery like the spider plant.

Expert Tips for Beginners by Ravisha Merchant:

The golden rule of a thriller (something tall that makes the focal point), a filler (something to add fullness), and a spiller (something to trail over the sides) is open to interpretations that will help you make a colourful statement. Seasonal flowers, succulents, wheatgrass and even herbs in kitchen boxes can be planted all year round. Dry flower arrangements in boxes are great where there are maintenance issue.

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