Last week, we posted some easy ways to improve your curb appeal, separated into three sections: the exterior of your home, focusing on what is often overlooked, and through your landscaping/garden. Now, we are going to dive deeper into a tip from that first section- installing a window box and/or wreath to the exterior of your home!
Window Boxes
You can get creative and build your own window box using leftover pieces of wood or material from a construction project, or by repurposing old home decor such as tins and containers.
If building a window box seems too daunting a task, you can easily find inexpensive window box options from online stores such as Amazon, Temu, and Wayfair, if not from a local store that sells garden decor or home goods.
When it comes to arranging the flowers you’ve purchased inside the window box, there are many Youtube channels and videos you can find that are dedicated to teaching viewers how to create a masterful window box. You can also search for examples online or on Pinterest in order to find the aesthetic you are going for, or even to copy.
Refer to our past article by realtor Jacqui Zuzgo for some simple and beautiful window box ideas.
Another window box flower arrangement method you may use is the thriller, spiller, and filler method. This includes putting into your window box plants that fit into these three components, ensuring variety, giving it depth, and making it pleasing to the eye.
Choosing a Thriller, Spiller, and Filler
When choosing a thriller plant (usually the focal or tallest point of your window box), many opt for an ornamental red or green grass or cabbage, depending on what is in season and available in your local garden store. However, you can use a tall-growing flower.
Next, for the spiller plant, many will choose a hanging vine or ivy. However, you may use a type of cascading flower, such as begonias, million bells, or impatiens.
For the filler, you’d probably want to choose a type of flowering plant, as this is most likely the component of your window box adding color. Any flower can work for this component as long as it does not grow too tall or cascade, as it would clash with your thriller and spiller components.
When visiting your local greenhouse or garden store, the staff will most likely be experienced in their product and be able to guide you to their available options of thriller, spiller, or filler plants, as at first it may be hard to distinguish between them yourself.
Wreaths
Similarly to window boxes, DIY wreaths can be made using an old wire hanger, cardboard, or other materials you may have laying around, as seen here. You can further decorate your wreath with faux flowers, since cut flowers don’t last very long, or freshly cut floral and greens. Then, you can garnish it with a ribbon or bow.
You may even decide to create a fully fabric wreath, or different style of wreath that isn’t plant-centered at all.
Or, you can buy a premade wreath online or from a home-goods store!
Overall, the simple addition of a window box or wreath to the exterior of your home can beautify your home and it's curb appeal, while also being a fun project to confront alone, or with family and friends!
