Kylee here — sharing a simple exterior update we added this summer: window boxes. They instantly boost the charm of our little Cape Cod–style home, and I love picturing them filled with different plants through the seasons.
We chose self-watering window boxes and have been very happy with them. The self-watering reservoir lets us go about 5–7 days between waterings depending on heat and plant needs. Water is poured into a built-in tube connected to wicks that draw moisture into the planting area. I also add a balanced fertilizer about once a month to support healthy growth.
My mom uses similar self-watering railing planters on her porch — they’re a great option if you want low-maintenance planters on a deck or railing.
We installed the boxes ourselves. Someone with intermediate DIY skills should be able to handle it. The main challenges were locating studs in our plaster walls and having the correct drill bits and anchors. We measured each window and picked boxes that extended slightly beyond the window frame for the best proportion and visual balance.
These photos were taken right after planting, about a month ago. It has been so rewarding to watch the plants fill in and soften the boxes over the past few weeks.
Choosing plants was the trickiest decision. I initially leaned toward a neutral palette, but my husband wanted something bright and cheerful — which ended up being the perfect choice for summer.
Here’s what we planted for summer:
- Petunias
- Calibrachoa
- Bacopa
- Creeping Jenny
- Lavender
- Alonia Big Snow Angelonia
- Lobelia Waterfall Purple
- Euphorbia Starblast Snowdrift
- Salvia
- Sweet Potato Vine
Follow along on my Instagram to see more of our home and seasonal updates. If you like this idea, pin the post so you’ll remember planting combinations for next year.
More window box options (scroll the images below for details):
Related Post: My mom’s Railing Planter Boxes – Curb Appeal
More posts about Kylee’s home:
Kylee’s Home Office Guest Room Makeover
Kylee’s House Updates (Sharing Some Hand-Me-Downs!)
Make a House Feel Like Home: Kylee’s Move-In Day vs. Now
How to Decorate When Your Front Door Opens Into Your Living Room
How to Get Art on Your TV with an Amazon Fire Stick Or Fire TV (DIY Frame TV)
Kylee’s Cape Cod Style House (the empty house tour)
Styling Glass Kitchen Cabinets (Kylee’s House Update)
See all posts from Kylee in the same category.