What to Do with Your Window Boxes in Colder Weather

Don’t get rid of those inviting window baskets just because the air is cold. There are many ways to create cold-weather window boxes – and you might even be able to use plants and material from your own yard. With some evergreen branches and a few colorful touches, these small additions can make a big difference in the appearance of a home and its surrounding landscape.

Let’s start with a few ideas about how to structure your window boxes for optimal results. These steps are not all necessary, but they may provide homeowners with some new, creative ideas:

1. Select boxes that are durable as well as ornamental.
2. Start with a taller layer in back and work your way forward.
3. Layer with sustainable material underneath.
4. Include plant life that is durable in winter.
5. Intersperse with items that add color and texture.
6. Place containers strategically at entrances and in outdoor living spaces.

The nice thing about window containers is that they are a low-maintenance addition to your landscape that can provide beauty and character while requiring little upkeep.

How Is a Window Container Different in Winter in the Midwest?

The concept of a window box is slightly different in winter than summer, at least here in the Midwest. In the summertime, you can use soil and grow flowers throughout the spring and summer seasons, and add water to keep the boxes vibrant and beautiful. However, in the colder months they need to be designed specifically with the season in mind. So, instead of soil, that may mean adding a layer of sustainable material at the bottom to help support the other items.

Add Colorful Elements of Nature That Can Endure Winter Weather

Decorative window boxes provide the perfect opportunity to create warmth and add color to an otherwise chilly landscape. The boxes themselves can add a sense of artistry to their appearance, whether you prefer wire, iron or carved wood. Any branches should be cut down so the focus is on the remaining greenery. If they dry out or lose their luster they can easily be replaced.

There is a variety of evergreens that produce different hues and textures, such as a soft white pine, that can be layered as an embellishment throughout. But there are many other elements of nature that will make these decorations your own. A professional designer will work with you to add natural colors that make sense and will make the arrangement more vibrant and eye-catching.

Create a Holiday Season Window Box or Basket

Start with dogwood for a reddish color and interesting texture as a backdrop. Then tuck a fair amount of blue spruce in and around the small branches. Winterberries are also a great holiday addition, as they come in both gold and red and are abundant in the northern part of the country.

In cooler weather, texture is just as important if not more than the scent and tone of your ingredients. But with pine cones, you get both incredible texture, a fun Christmas symbol and a delicious smell, all in one. The green of false cypress will give the impression of life even if the surroundings are frozen and dormant.

Use Lighting For Added Warmth and Ambience

There’s nothing quite as lovely in winter as the use of lights to decorate the outdoors, particularly as the holidays approach. This lets everyone who shows up at your home know that they will be welcome and warm.

But why stop in December when a string of small, weather-resistant lights can add so much ambience in the months to follow? Work with a landscaping company that provides lighting services so that any lighting is being selected and installed for safety as well as beauty.

A Full-Service Landscaping Company That Designs, Installs & Upkeeps Winter Containers

For well-designed, long-lasting containers that will brighten any landscape, contact Sheldon Landscape, a full-service landscaping company. Although these are small details in the larger landscape, there is an optimal way to design and handle the installation, as well as maintenance throughout the winter.

We can also shovel your walks, install holiday lights, and handle other property maintenance needs.

As landscape designers, our team has many wonderful ideas for your window boxes, as well as ways to help your garden and landscape flourish throughout the year. Contact Sheldon Landscape to discuss what we can do for you, or visit us online for more on our landscaping services.