Ideas for window boxes that aren’t flowers/plants
Jen S
3 months ago
Hi all
We live in a Victorian villa and there are window boxes outside our bay window. They’re one floor up and there are shutters (and currently UPVC non sash windows) the other side so access is hard, plus I am terrible at remembering to water plants in pots…
Any ideas for what I could put in them though? I’m not keen on fake flowers really but wondered about something ceramic? I’ll see about removing them at some point but they’re strongly fixed into bricks so not an easy job.
Thanks 😊 Pic is from when we moved in 3 years ago.
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Comments (11)
Sonia
3 months agoHave a look at good quality faux plants. Things have certainly improved and they don’t look so fake anymore. Check out Dunelm and M&S.
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Comments (13)I would use plants to brighten the space. The hardscapes are all good, they just look a bit naked and grim. It can be hard to make a space pretty but usable for the kids too, but its not impossible. You have a lovely sitting area to enjoy. Plant some lovely feature bushes in that gravel area. You don't need to completely hide the clothesline, but having something pretty and showy in front will create a boundary and the eye will be drawn to the plants instead of the washing. If you can't plant into the soil there, some large size pots will work. Maybe some medium sized (1-2metre) ornamental trees in pots, like citrus, a weeping ornamental cherry, or bay trees, moptop robinias are nice too. They will be compact. You could cluster some pots of herbs underneath or plant them and let them ramble a little. Herbs like thyme and rosemary and lavender will suit the gravel area and the heat and be hardy with kids playing around, the odd bike falling on them or crushing underfoot would be quite okay. bulbs in pots or planted around the edges of the lawn are great value low maintenance and hardy colour. You can get great seasonal variation in your view then. Online bulb stores like tesselar and garden express sell bulk landscaping bulbs at very reasonable prices. You can get hundreds of bulbs for $30-50. Bulbs are great hardy plants that won't be killed by the odd soccer ball either. The flowers may get knocked over or the leaves, but the bulb is safe under the soil. Cheap and cheerfuls like nasturtiums are good value colour that will self seed every season. Also, plant some very bright flowering shrubs behind the soccer net and against the far wall. Maybe some hibiscus? You need something to catch and entice the eye, plant some large flowering shrubs with larger or bright flowers or foliage you will be able to appreciate from a distance....See MoreRoom layout - ideas?
Comments (25)Take out sofa, use beanbags and those blow up seats for their friends. Coloured rugs for tumbling and crawling on. Supersoft teddy bear blankets so they can curl up. Add in one of those soft blanket boxes for toy storage and so you have somewhere soft to perch when you are with them. Paper half way up the wall in the wall paper that kids can draw on, so they can decorate in whatever colour they like and you won't mind. A childs lift up desk, bookcase and some crazy lamps in weird colours. Then close the door, collapse on the sofa that you have moved, breathe a sigh of relief and thank your lucky stars that you have another room for the kids to go to. (Grab wine and pretend they aren't yours for half an hour! ;-) )...See MoreBlinds or curtains?
Comments (23)Hello Jen, I am so surprised that no one has mentioned vertical blinds to you? They are very much back in fashion and work beautifully in a room such as yours. They come in 3.5" veins, which mean they will fold back and tuck into each recess when fully open. They turn to let as much light in as you need and then close when you want full privacy. They will be fitted in the recess above the windows. You can either have one complete rail length or two so you have a separate section over the door. You can have what's know as a middle split, i.e: half goes left and right. Personally I would suggest one length that opens to the left, therefore leaving your door completely uncovered when open. The pulley system is very much like a roller blind and are safety fixed to the wall so children can not get caught in them. They come in a huge rang of colours and materials and better still they are very affordable. I am working with a number of new developments in Hertfordshire at the moment and these are what the clients are all asking for. If you would like some idea of price, please email me your measurements and I will give you an idea, amanda@propertybydesign.net Good luck and enjoy! :0)...See MoreCurb appeal??!
Comments (14)Gosh, I've returned after a week travelling for work to loads more suggestions - thanks all! To respond specifically: - the house faces south so gets the lovely morning (and in the uk, sometimes the only) sun. - the husband has avoided putting plants in the planters due to maintenance and they're generally twee so comments here have confirmed to me that they will be coming out - love the idea of wooden boxes with the spiky plants and grasses - also like the concept of taking out the grass/bed/tree in front completely out and replacing with slabs - yes to lightening the windows - to the Barn company, I honestly don't mind the advice and I'd never seen sloping garage roofs. - nicking ideas from landscaping of new builds....great idea! - finally, Helen Scholes, I'm embarrassed about the spelling of kerb. Had no idea! Thanks again all....See MoreJen S
3 months agominnie101
3 months agoThese look pretty good from Bay and Box London? i think artificial tend to work well when combined with real plants and you seem to have quite a lot
Jen S
3 months agominnie101
3 months ago
J
3 months agosiobhanmcgee90
3 months agoJen S
3 months agoSonia
3 months ago
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