Well before the advent of my Susan Said… WHAT?! Pinterest Boards, I kept a massive three-ring binder full of home and garden ideas, from plant combinations, to border and path ideas, to “Wish List” window boxes and hand thrown pots. I was actually quite organized with dividers clearly marking ideas, color schemes, and notes for “Kitchen,” “Bath,” “Library,” and “Bedroom.” Of course, the fattest section — by far — was labeled “Garden.”
My love affair with gardening didn’t begin until I was well into adulthood. Once we purchased our first home, there was simply no stopping me.
I’ve learned a lot since then. And, one of my greatest lessons had nothing to do with trees, flowers or shrubs. What I found after some trial and error (and abject failure, if I am completely honest) is that the most important part of creating a beautiful and relaxing garden is not the plant selection – it’s the structure.
Today, my garden boasts hundreds of feet of rock border (with rock laboriously dug from the neighboring woods and trundled by wheelbarrow), a brick patio (laid by hand in a basket pattern, using reclaimed brick), and a 3-level, terraced backyard.
If you don’t have time for such labor-intensive projects, there’s a much easier way to add instant charm to your garden: window boxes!
Window boxes add a romantic, cottage-y feel to your outdoor space — even if your garden is a tiny patch in the city. If your home isn’t blessed with distinctive architectural details (and my traditional, 2-story suburban colonial was most definitely not) window boxes provide an instant face lift. Fill them with colorful annuals in the spring and summer, harvest bounty in the fall, and fresh greens with striking red berry accents during the holidays!
Window boxes are available in many sizes, colors, and configurations. You can easily find a wide range at Home Depot or Lowes, or try one of my all-time favorites, Walpole Outdoors for some truly spectacular examples.
Now… where’s my trowel?!
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DISCLAIMER: The opinions stated are my own and were no way influenced by the manufacturers listed above. No financial compensation was received in exchange for this post.
Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style. You’ll find everything from must-have fashion and accessories, to gorgeous gardens, stunning interiors, plus the latest products for parties, weddings, and events of all kinds. Susan Said…WHAT?! was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone. Editor Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!