There are so many ways to build or enhance curb appeal. One of my favorite additions is window and porch railing planter boxes. They add character, can be updated through the seasons, and bring life to a home’s exterior. I’ve always wanted them, even though I never had them in previous houses—it’s never too late to add what you love.
What drew us to our new home immediately was the curb appeal. It’s a charming coastal cottage and already felt welcoming. Because we’d focused on curb appeal in our previous home, we were relieved not to have to start from scratch. Still, I enjoy personalizing a space—infusing our style and personality into the house—so I’ve been collecting ideas for subtle changes that make it feel like ours.
The previous owners had planter boxes on the porch railings and I loved the look. They were ready for replacement, so I chose a new set of porch railing and window planter boxes that hang over the railing with included brackets. They were easy to install and felt like the right scale for our porch.
I like the classic, substantial style of these boxes. The included brackets are black, which looks nice against some railings; on our white railings we’re considering painting the brackets white so they blend in more. As the plants grow, the brackets become less noticeable anyway. Depending on your railing construction, you can also hang the boxes directly on the rail. They’re versatile enough to be used under windows, on railings, or simply set on a porch or patio.
These planter boxes are designed for low maintenance: they include a self-watering insert and a pre-drilled draining hole. Each box measures 36 inches long by 11 inches high and 11 inches wide, and they are available in a couple of neutral colors. They’re weather resistant and fade resistant, so they hold up well outdoors.
Tip: If you want more than one box, purchasing a set can be more economical than buying individual units.
We planted our boxes earlier this summer and they have really started to fill in. For our first effort we chose easy-to-grow, hardy plants that would establish quickly and provide immediate impact. Watching them thrive has been a small daily joy.
The four plants in each box:
Petunia Surfinia® Heavenly Blue
Bacopa MegaCopa® White
Green Gem Boxwood
Pineapple Variegated Mint
Over the next few months the annuals will continue to fill in, creating a fuller look. When the annuals start to fade, they can be swapped out easily. The boxwoods should remain green year-round in our climate, which gives us a stable base for seasonal updates. In winter we can add evergreen boughs, twinkle lights, faux greenery, or holiday decor—these boxes offer many styling possibilities throughout the year.
Do you have window boxes at your house?
Source: Window Planter Boxes
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