Window boxes bring flowers to a new level

They bring color and fragrance right up to my doorstep, next to my patio furniture, and just outside my windows. They are easy to maintain, and I can inexpensively replant them seasonally or whenever I decide I want a change.

Subtle color differences of bountiful blooms can be appreciated when viewed at closer range. Fragrance packs a more powerful punch, and the varying textures of plants tempt you to caress them when they are close enough to touch.

Even though window boxes and hanging baskets bring flowers, foliage and fragrance up to a new level, each presents its own challenges.

Plants in hanging baskets must endure some special conditions. The soil in hanging baskets dries out faster than it does in other containers, and hanging baskets are often hung under eaves, out of the rain. Add water-holding crystals, buy a potting mix premixed with them, choose drought-tolerant plants, or plan to water hanging baskets more often than other containers.

Window boxes can be intimidating to design because they are long and narrow. Unless you want a formal look, you won't want plants lined up in rows like soldiers. Instead, place the tallest plants in the middle and work your way down to both sides.

If your window box is long enough, add some taller plants toward the sides for added interest. If you have two matching window boxes, consider starting with the tallest plants at one end and working your way down as you plant toward the side; then plant the other window box in reverse.

There are lots of plants available at local garden centers with flowers or foliage in different sizes, shapes, textures, forms or colors to create knock-your-socks-off containers.

When choosing plants for your windowboxes and hanging baskets, keep a few simple rules in mind: Select a variety of flower shapes and sizes. Foliage plays an important role. Trailing plants soften hard edges of the container.

Following are a few recipes for hanging baskets and window boxes you may want to try this summer.

Hanging -- sun

For a "'pretty in pink" hanging basket, combine Easy Wave Pink petunia, Sybil Holmes ivy geranium, and Superbena Pink verbena. Add some Diamond Frost Euphorbia. Its delicate white flowers will sparkle amongst the pink blooms.

Like romance, but not pink? Plant Landmark Peach Sunrise lantana, Cabaret Peach million bells or calibrachoa and yellow variegated ivy.

Want something bolder? Graffiti Bright Red pentas, Burgundy Wedding Train coleus, Supertunia Royal Velvet petunia, and Marguerite sweet potato vine are dazzling together in a hanging basket.

Hanging -- shade

A smoldering combination is created with Blitz Red impatiens, Kong Red coleus, and Purple Knight alternanthera.

Or light up the evening with white caladium, Super Elfin white impatiens, Boston Compacta fern and white variegated ivy.

Window box -- sun

Your window boxes will sizzle with Lady in Red salvia, Saturn coleus, Cabaret Red million bells and Marguerite sweet potato vine.

Want romance? Try Park Princess dahlia, Victoria Blue salvia, Silver Dust dusty miller and Diamond Frost euphorbia.

Your window boxes will glow in the dark with a planting of Royal Glissade coleus, Carpet Buttercream petunia, Cabaret Apricot million bells, and variegated Swedish ivy or senecio Variegata.

Shade

Color without flowers is possible in window boxes when you combine Fire Flush Rex begonia with Tradescantia pallida Pupurea and Macho fern. If you must have flowers, add some red impatiens.

Don't overlook perennials. A beautiful window box can be created with Obsidian coral bells and Evergold sedge. Add some pink impatiens and yellow variegated ivy. Voila!

Or start with Midnight Rose coral bells and add Blue Mouse Ears hosta, Super Elfin Rose impatiens and lamium White Nancy'

One of my favorite plants for my north-facing window boxes is Dragon Wing begonia. Not only does it put up with my neglect, it thrives in spite of it. I add some ferns, wax begonias that bloom the same color, and some yellow variegated ivy.

Don't be afraid to experiment with your own ideas. Before you head out to your favorite garden center, make a paper template of your container. Set it on your cart and have some fun with all the possibilities.

• Diana Stoll is a horticulturalist and the Garden Center Manager at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield, IL 60190. Call 630-293-1040, Ext. 2.