Window box

Window boxes in Valparaiso, Chile, 2000

A window box (sometimes called a window flower box, or window box planter) is a type of flower container for live flowers or plants in the form of a box attached on or just below the sill of a window on a building or house. It may also be used for growing herbs or other edible plants.

Description

A window box is usually placed on a window sill or fixed to the wall immediately below it so the owner(s) can easily get to the plants in the container. If a window box is installed under a window it is usually supported in place by brackets on the wall below. Some materials, such as PVC or fibre glass, use a cleat mounting system from behind to attach to the building or may be directly bolted to the home without the use of support brackets below.[1]

Wood, brick, terracotta, metal, fibre glass, vinyl, and cellular PVC may all be used in window box construction. A typical wooden window box will last 3–5 years before showing deterioration, though with painting and maintenance they can last 10–15 years. Fibre glass and plastic may be used because they are cheap and lightweight.

Window boxes are often used by people who live on the upper floors of flats or apartments, and thus do not have access to a garden or patio to grow flowers. Window boxes enable the plants to be readily seen by those inside the property as well as outside. Larger boxes, 10-12" in height, can be used to plant items that need more root space and to allow flowers and plants to be layered in multiple rows to create more intricate flower displays. Access for planting and maintenance can be via the window from indoors.

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