Key Takeaways:
- Creating the perfect window garden begins with choosing containers in styles and colors that match your home’s aesthetic.
- Switch up your garden display throughout the year with plants that thrive in different seasons, from blooming bulbs in spring to dried wheat in fall.
- Following styling and layering principles will keep your window garden looking like a gallery piece, and adding herbs to your garden makes it just as practical as it is pretty.
Your home is your lifetime retreat; the space you can’t wait to get back to. Even the most luxurious vacation accommodations can’t compare to the coziness and security of the place you and your family call your own.
The problem? The outside of your home is long overdue for a facelift, but you want to keep costs minimal.
The solution? Window gardens.
Enhancing the look of your outdoor living space with a window garden can quickly make your home feel even warmer and more welcoming without breaking the bank. If you plan to sell in the future, it may translate to dollar signs, too: research shows that curb appeal can draw strong buyers, according to 99% of real estate agents.
Let’s explore how you can beautify your home exterior with window gardens that work year-round.
Choose a Creative Container
Creating a lovely window garden starts with picking the right containers: your pots are just as critical as your plants. Select containers that work well with the style of your home while still being functional. Plastic containers are excellent due to their lightweight flexibility, while terracotta containers are perfect for breathability.
Consider a ribbed ceramic pot for a sculptural feel with a modern touch, or go with a smooth matte cylinder for the perfect minimalist aesthetic. Add a rustic vibe to your home with a clay pot, or add texture with a woven basket container.
Colors also matter for your window garden. Creams and whites will keep your display airy, while sand and earthy terracotta tones will make your home look warm. Charcoals and deep green add sophistication, while pastels like sky blue, blush, and sage create a botanical vibe.
Pick the Perfect Plants
Window gardens make it easy to switch up your home’s look and feel from one season to the next with thoughtful plant choices and complementary accessories. Spring invites blooming bulbs in pastel pots combined with spring decorating supplies like playful bunnies. Summer welcomes citrus-colored accents. Fall is the ideal season for mini pumpkins and amber glass combined with dried wheat. Make winter the season where evergreens and white ceramics shine. These decor ideas will keep your window garden feeling fresh while not requiring a complete redesign.
Follow the Sun
Light direction remains a critical factor in creating a window garden, as each of your home’s window orientations has plants designed to thrive there. Choose sun-loving jade plants and succulents for south-facing windows, and stick to low-light ZZ plants and snake plants for north-facing windows. African violets and ferns work well in windows that face east, as they welcome gentle light in the morning. Go with ivy or orchids in windows that face west. Picking the right plants for the right light levels helps prevent leaf burn and plant stress, ensuring your garden display remains lush all year long.
Keep Styling Front and Center
A successful window garden follows styling principles designed to keep the space as visually balanced as possible. Try to repeat colors three or more times to create a cohesive look, and group plants or decorative objects in odd numbers each time for harmony, and leave around 30% of your sill empty so that it won’t look cluttered. Styling your window garden in this way will help ensure it remains a focal point year-round.
Fall in Love With Layers
Layering can instantly elevate your window garden, making even a simple one look stunning. Position your tallest plants on the back side of your pot, put fillers that are mid-height in the central part of the pot, and choose low accents for the front. This arrangement creates a balanced gallery effect that you and your loved ones can enjoy from all angles. It’s especially helpful if your window sills are narrow, making even a small window feel artful. Enlist the help of window cleaning services to further keep your windows looking sharp, adding to the entire aesthetic.
Don’t Forget the Herbs
Create an herb window for a charming yet functional window-garden setup. Plant thyme, mint, and basil in a sunny kitchen windowsill to enjoy flavorful ingredients year-round. Pair herbs with discreet light-emitting diode grow lights or self-watering containers to help them grow in a low-light season. Herb windows are ideal for plant lovers who want to transform their windows into living pantries that can elevate both their outdoor decor and their cooking.
Spruce Up Your Home Exterior With Confidence Today
A window garden can instantly take your home’s exterior to the next level. The right container can add elegance and charm, and season-themed plants and decor can make your home even more comfort-inducing and curated. Choosing the right plants for the light levels around your home will help ensure a thriving window garden, and following styling principles will keep it looking like a work of art. Herb window gardens can double as decor and a pantry for your loved ones. Consider all the above-listed window gardening tips to create an eye-catching natural display that will feel intentional and inviting in the seasons ahead.