Flower boxes are back with a vengence. Now that affordable alternatives to wood such as vinyl and PVC are available, window box gardening is back in full bloom after taking a break for a few decades. Window box planting is a fun and easy way to get your feet wet with landscaping and gardening. The hardest part is deciding what to plant inside. One suggestion is to use a removable liner inside your window box. This will give you the most flexibility and allow you to mix it up all year round.

Once you decide on an easily accessible location for your window box you're ready to begin planting. This is where you get to let your creativity and personality come out the most. Window boxes can be used for a variety of reasons ranging from planting to landscaping to even gardening. A window box on the front of the house will usually better serve to hold plants and flowers for landscaping and are great for adding curb appeal. If you have an extended window in the front of your house, this may be a great place to stage a long custom window box. A long double or triple window can showcase a long string of flowers, hanging plants, or ivy and can mix well with nearby landscaping.

If you wish to enjoy your window box in a more private setting, gardening is a great alternative and can often be achieved from inside the house with some casual maintenance if you place your window box strategically. Using a window box to grow different herbs and plants such as aloe vera, basil, and ginger is a simple way to keep your eye on your own miniature. It's a good baby step for those of us who want to start a much larger garden in our backyard.

One last suggestion for window box planting is to choose flowers or plants that coordinate well with the color and style of the home. Bright colors will bring more focus to the planters and green plants will often neutralize and cause your window box to blend in. Be sure to determing the optimal plants for your location. Different temperatures and weather can determine what will thrive best in your window box. If you apply some of these tips you'll be well on your way to having the best looking house on the block!