RE: Off-Topic: Window boxes

Devon, I think this is a good topic for the perennials list, even though
people typically plant annuals in them, I know many people who plant
perennials, mini roses, etc., in their boxes and some that change them
seasonally for decoration.

If others disagree, please respond and we'll take the discussion off list
because I am interested in the responses Devon receives.

Here are my experiences:

I had my son build some window boxes about two years ago for a birthday
present for me.  Now understand, I am no designer and he is no carpenter.
After two years, the noted mistakes are:

I had the boxes made 12" deep because I didn't want to have to water every
day in the heat.  Eight inches would have been sufficient for most things
and A LOT lighter in weight.  Soil and water weigh a lot and they started
splitting within a year. They are also 12" from front to back and that has
been great for layering plants in height, etc.  Be warned that filling these
boxes every year with annuals is a spendy proposition.  I realize that
"spendy" is a relative term, I think between $30-50 a year.

Second mistake was because neither of us know anything about wood, I have
since been told by my brother in law who knows a lot about wood that while
cedar is rot resistant it is not a strong wood.  So there are certain ways
you need to use it based on the grain of the wood to add strength.  Again,
splitting has been experienced in the first and second years.  To the point
that this smart bro in law is going to repair them for me.  Also note that
for three windows, 2 - 4' long and 1 - 5' long the cedar and brackets were
just about $100.

We did use really heavy galvinized (you don't want rust running on your
house paint) brackets underneath for support and that has been a life saver.

I lined my boxes with landscape cloth to keep too much soil running out, but
it allows the water to come through.  This has worked great.

Each year I add a layer of mushroom compost and dig in; on alternating years
I add a mix of some new potting soil and mushroom compost because so much
soil has leached out the boxes' level of soil was down.  The plants
flourish.

Hope this helps.

Susan Saxton, zone 6b

For mine is a little old-fashioned garden where the flowers come
together to praise the Lord and teach all who look upon them to do
likewise.
Celia Thaxter

I AM in shape.  ROUND is a shape!


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Miller, Devon [D*@kilstock.com]
> Sent: Monday, July 19, 1999 9:16 AM
> To: 'perennials@mallorn.com'
> Subject: Off-Topic: Window boxes
> 
> 
> All: 
> 
> Please forgive me for being off-topic, and please respond to 
> me by private
> e-mail at dmiller@kilstock.com, but:
> 
> We want to buy two large long window boxes, to install on the 
> brick face of
> our house, underneath a window.  I have never purchased 
> window boxes before.
> If you have any experience with these, would you let me know which
> styles/brands work well (or don't work)?  I need to find a 
> style that is
> very very sturdy.  And relatively permanent.
> 
> If anyone else is interested in reading the responses I get, 
> please let me
> know and I will forward them to you.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Devon Miller
> Maryland
> 
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