Tips and Tricks to Planting Windowboxes

[@gardengal26]

I "procrastigarden" all the time! The struggle is real!😆😉

[@DDavis-lm6tv]

Don't be so hard on yourself when you have multiple priorities- it simply means you are busy and productive! Thank you for taking us along on your "procrastigardening" venture!

[@melissastruxness512]

Garden in zone 9b in CA. We have extremely hot sun and it destroys some plants that even say full sun so often I move things from the full sun to a pot where they can get afternoon relief in the shade. My hubby thinks all those pots look messy. I disagree but he is not in tune with plants. I am. So there lol. Love your videos. Look forward to them!

[@theresaparodi6027]

Just wanted to say hello from the East Bay 9b🐝. I purchased an orbit enforcer this year to scare away deer 🦌 so I’ve been able to embellished my front yard with potted plants. Perfect for getting a feel for what works and what doesn’t - “plopping”works really well too 🌷🌺🌹

[@melissastruxness512]

@@theresaparodi6027 we don't have deer in the central valley near Modesto but it is HOT and we do have bugs. Some good some bad. Well lots bad sadly. I use Captain Jacks organic from Bonida to take care of the bugs

[@theresaparodi6027]

@@melissastruxness512 oh yes - bugs also getting my annuals - captain Jack’s seems to be doing the trick ♥️

[@djgarrett8096]

Greetings from northern Florida, zone 9b, a stone’s throw from Georgia 😜.....so yes HOT. I agree with above, I have ended up potting a lot of plants to give them a relief from the intense sun and move them where there is more shade but would not work to ground plant them, so chose potting instead.

[@melissastruxness512]

@@djgarrett8096 it sure beats losing the plant or having it look terrible! This is the first year I have had black spot on roses though. That and powdery mildew. Not sure why because we still have dry heat. Really odd. And no extra rain that is for sure. Hardly any rain at all this last winter and spring

[@Bunny-rh1yy]

I love how you are spacing plants apart and not overplanting to allow the appreciation of watching each fill in.

[@Nothingbutthevoid1]

I am a simple person . I see a video from Linda I hit the like button :)

[@LindaVater]

I love that about you 😂

[@lisawilson4799]

Love how Home Grown Earthy you are... your garden is Beautiful and Inspiring

[@Mxtraveler]

I use my own plants all the time. Part of it is that I don’t want to go to the garden center for that one thing I’m doing because I never come home with that one project. It always means I am starting on something new also. A couple of hours in the garden could mean a couple of weeks if I go to the garden center. I’m always saving some clearance plant or other nonsense. 😜

[@martihurford]

I do that too...especially as other plants mature and cut off the amount of sun other plants are getting or having to cut down a huge tree 🤦🏻‍♀️. I do make a point of going to the higher price nurseries now (BFFs and I are going tonight) when they start putting perennials on sale. I love rescuing plants on sale cuz they’ve already bloomed for the year. It’s always exciting to see what pops up the following spring. Sometimes it results in moving that plant, but that’s ok. I’m always moving stuff around. 😁🌸

[@Joy-zp5lv]

You are so right =)

[@marilynmcdonald6899]

The use of those pins for the vines is a great idea, thankyou. I am planning on using two old Singer cast iron sewing machine bases with two rectangular concrete planter boxes on them as my window boxes out the front of my old, small cottage as it has a single window on each side of the door.

[@mrsnoah78able]

I procrastigarden so much anyone who wants to visit us inside the house will need to give a 30 minute warning. Ha! I have been spending every available hour in the garden getting things completed settled before the summer heat takes over. And I often will borrow plants from one area to fill out another area. This reminds me of adapting cooking recipes by using what I already have on hand. That's how I discover renewed, creative perspectives.

[@condritahenderson3763]

Lantana additions are beautiful and long-lasting! The garden and window boxes are looking fabulous! Happy Gardening!!!!

[@toneil8470]

Dividing larger plants to use in window boxes is really a great idea. I divide flowers to, to plant in other areas or pots. Love your window boxes.

[@marianafranowicz]

Besides all of your talents I enjoyed your humor in this video. Thank you Linda

[@VickiLifeishappy]

Great tip about the shavings!

[@aimeeseattle]

Love how you added the ensemble info at the end! We all admire your potager 'pret-e-porter'!

[@LindaVater]

I may have to steal that expression! Love it!

[@aimeeseattle]

@@LindaVater Yes do it! You always look potager garden savvy stylish ! Even though i don't know how to exactly pronounce it, (heard the term in the 80s) ! Gardening is my get away/therapy and the idea of dressing a little cute would make me feel better !

[@angelahagood7143]

Love your garden attire! Shames my overalls and muck boots. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Just when I think you have taught me everything you show me something else. Sorry that you had to start over with those boxes but I’m digging (no pun intended) all the colors and textures! Anticipation! Just yesterday while helping my sister start her landscaping at her newly built house, I spotted wildflowers, wild strawberry plants, blue-eyed grass, and a lavender colored wild orchid! (Zone 7) I gave her hostas, day lilies, ferns, monkey grass, irises, crocosmia, and I got beautiful specimens of NC flowers! I’m also glad that you mentioned others’ comments, because I get great ideas and advice from them! Thank you!

[@LindaVater]

The comments here are just jampacked with information. So glad they were helpful to you!

[@DLynne222]

I LOVE being able to divide and spread plants! I love scavenging and foraging for free (free, not stolen) plants too, it's like a treasure hunt. I get far more excited over finding opportunities to grow from divisions or cuttings than from purchasing transplants. I'm not shy about asking family and friends for shares of their plants either, and I'm happy to share divisions from my plants with them. I did recently purchase 4 coveted hydrangeas online, and in transit several branches were broken off. Well, no sense crying over a bit of damage. I know without doubt the purchased plants will recover from the shock of the trip, no worries there. But I also took the broken branches and made cuttings from them for rooting! So maybe instead of 4 plants I might ultimately end up with 8 or 12 plants!! Thanks so much for your videos! I watch them all.

[@lwj4551]

Yes! I take from places in my garden all the time and spread the love ha to pots, baskets, etc. I even use old nursery pots and place the “borrowed” plants in them to establish roots! Sometimes they make it to my daughter’s garden 😁 before they are used by me. I love watching and gain much information from your videos. I like the practical gift ideas that you share with us too!

[@lwj4551]

I garden in zone 8 Mississippi

[@nikkid6395]

Love seeing you messing around in the garden! Can't wait to see the window box come to life!

[@marywhitfield7553]

Beautiful color in your window box.

[@Cenepk101]

I haven’t done my window box yet. Mine isn’t as large. I’ve procrastinated because you can’t see it. You can’t see it because my camellia needs shaping that is in front of it. And ! That’s the bed that needs refreshing once we ever get rain !!!! Thanks for the inspo, Linda ! Guess I ‘ll shower now & drag myself to Home Depot for some potting soil. Out of potting soil… yes ! Another excuse ! Love the ensemble!!!

[@blairpollard5387]

Yes I separate plants and plant elsewhere all the time. My favorite is sharing my Rose Champion with friends and family, such a marvelous perennial.

[@debraspringers2098]

Linda your window boxes are gorgeous

[@catherineteel4109]

Love the new word “procrastigardening”! Fantastic word and I can totally relate and understand the pressure of needing to tend to multiple priorities. I’m loving the front window box and the colors you have arranged in it. Also loving the fashion summary at the end. Have a great day! 😊

[@lkhawkins4482]

Great video! Keep them coming, Linda! I always learn something new.

[@tammyleer9268]

Love that you use orange and purple together, at least I no i’am doing it right. The box’s are beautiful. Love the fashion at the end!

[@danielallen138]

Complementary colors on color wheel (opposite each other) usually do just that, complement each other!

[@chrispetersen6402]

I dug up spring flowers such as mini irises, columbine, mosses, pansies , moss and other things such as bark and rocks to make a woodland garden in my windowbox this spring. It’s still looking pretty.

[@germannlindastellarsisk3716]

OF COURSE I rob Peter to pay Paul -- doesn't everybody ?!?

[@eileenchang2173]

It’s like shopping for clothes, we have to shop what we already have ! It’s also healthier for the plants as in the beginning of the spring we tend to overcrowd the plants because we have not realize their full growth potential. 🇨🇦

[@mickyunit]

I repurpose all the time....I actually use big pots/planters as an ICU of sorts! If a plant is struggling somewhere in the yard, I'll remove it and underplant a fern I have in a huge pot. It's great for shade plant problems. I'll move things from one side of the house to the other, for a different look. I love doing this!!!

[@nitahiltner9560]

I don't rob. That lantana gets huge. Mine cover my back hill. I wish I could send you a photo. The bees love them and I garden to help them. That front windowbox is precious. I love it. I love all your videos, cannot get enough. Also, would love to know your diet, you look so fit and healthy.

[@fannieallen6005]

Dividing larger plants to use in window boxes is really a great idea. It's going to look so pretty. You always look so nice.

[@rewbew9345]

Wow! I looked up that begonia to see what it looks like when it’s mature and it’s gorgeous! Bright red and huge! Soooo pretty!!

[@cristaljohns1999]

“Procrastigardening”!!!!! For real! 😂😂😂

[@rachelhall4808]

This is VERY real struggle 😂😂😂

[@Edu_Kate]

Story of my life. But, now I'm retired so whatever doesn't get completed one day can carry over to the next. 😄

[@suzismith9681]

Oh you sweetheart! I purchased a window box/planter and wasn't sure what to do for the swag bits. Being winter here, no hurry. I tend to gather things up for a project, rather than purchasing all at once, with a bit of robbing Peter too. I've started to place things in situ prior to planting just to see how things acclimatize. Thankyou yet again Linda, I'm sure you read my mind......and its a good thing you do, gardening.

[@jimblair7724]

excellent show , thanks for the tips. i am constantly moving my plants about in pots and window boxes it gives you always a different style and it doesn't become such routine look !

[@LindaVater]

I agree!

[@LindaVater]

I agree completely!

[@maryjoseph7086]

Yes master procrastinator here 🙋🏻‍♀️unfortunately in all aspects of my life and yes to always stealing from pot to garden and from garden to pot. Last year as winter was nearly I saw the pods in my milkweed plant open up and enjoyed watching small tuffs of fluffy cottony seeds flying around my backyard in the chill fall breeze, and lo behold I have milkweed plant popping up in every area of my yard 🤦🏻‍♀️ so will be happily replanting them and giving them away

[@kimirvine6310]

Fun video ; like the boots

[@adeletrimble4046]

I’ve dug up variegated vinca minor from my front yard and placed it in pots to decorate my patio table. Looks lovely cascading out of the pots. Zone 6a. I’ll need to get some of those floral picks!

[@ellepienews6249]

Great video! Procrastination is just an exaggerated way to pace ourselves! Glad to hear you shop your own plants. Thank you.

[@joannefuller]

I love it! This year I did take plants from all around my yard to fill planters. I was not going to shop much for plants because I was buying furniture. I did end up buying plants as well. Maybe not as many as normal. Thanks for the tips. My old fashion Lantana is stunning right now! I just wander around looking at them in awe.

[@Tied2TheTube]

Yes, I “borrow” from my own garden. And I love the expression “procrastigarden” -lol! I may be guilty. I love what you’ve done with the window boxes. I had a window box at my old home. I don’t think we’ll ever have any at my current home but I sure do miss mine!

[@movinngroovin2104]

I'm from NC and linda I take few plants from one place and put in another place. You gave me the idea on putting gravel on top of my potted plants it really helps squirrels will not touch them. Now I have river rock in my flower beds near the house. And away from the house mulch and the squirrels dig their soon that will be changed.

[@8Gammie]

I absolutely borrow plants to fill in other areas! I grow an area of sedum, too... just for that reason. Love it. Love the video! love, hugs,prayers.

[@lurveit]

I literally stole from Peter to pay Paul just today. I've grown purple alyssum and had spread the seedlings all around the property in various garden beds however, the alyssum near the mailbox that gets seen the most needed a bigger impact so... I decided to take some purple alyssum from the herb garden planters. So glad I did because it's given the alyssum in the planters more room to grow and the alyssum near the mailbox is looking much better. 😁🌸

[@lurveit]

P.s the little bird ornament at 6:20 to the right is just gorgeous, Linda!

[@LindaVater]

Sounds like a great strategy!

[@jansfield5314]

There is always something to do elsewhere, so I try to gauge the weather, if wet jobs indoors, sunny outside jobs outdoors, but sometimes its good to do jobs that make you feel good! I am always robbing Peter and Paul, otherwise it gets too expensive, and I am on a very tight budget, so I have to use my imagination etc as I just love gardening! I grow a lot from seed, so I can swap with my friends, amazing what you get! Thanks Linda x

[@ninajohnson6578]

Linda so many great tips today. Thank you ❤️

[@lindareinhardt1964]

fav shade plants - ferns ferns ferns, bleeding heart, cyclamen, irish moss, lungwort, are just a few

[@RevAcres01]

Absolutely I rob Peter to pay Paul no guilt there. I really like the bold colors in the front box. Great tip to use hanging baskets for additional annual coverage.

[@christiestacker1478]

I live in the PNW and I'm planting my window boxes now. I'm using a combination of new plants and plants from elsewhere in my garden. I already have spillers like variegated ivy, vinca, and creeping jenny.

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

Yes, taking from one spot to another all the time!🌿

[@lisalundstrom1591]

Yes, I do this. Although I don’t like to. If I could buy all new plants all of the time I think that would be wonderful but the budget doesn’t always allow. Just the other day I filled six pots With leftovers from my garden that do well in shade. Right now they don’t look fantastic but I am sure within a few weeks they will really fill out.

[@LindaVater]

Very thrifty.

[@mariem.8205]

Good morning Linda, Yes, I borrow plants from different parts of my garden to fill sparse areas or pots. It's a great use of what you already have...love your channel! I'm in zone 8, but was zone 7B until recently. Have a great day! 🔆

[@ksreed84]

By gosh by golly I love all your tips! I grew up on that phrase in WV.😊💕

[@tammyjones163]

Yes, I borrow plants to plant in another pot if its in an important spot. Backyard shopping. 😄😄

[@beckyscheller9358]

Always moving plants to other areas. Love window boxes. Have a hay rack on my shed

[@annehindley-norwick9997]

For sure. I reposition plants from one area to tuck into containers planted in another season or shadier location, little white violas tucked under a fern or Creeping Jenny to brighten up a tall container shape in the shade. My winter pansies are moved from the front yard containers in spring into various semi-shade patio containers where they live for the summer. I call it “upcycling” my plants, saves me money and lets me justify other new plant purchases!!!

[@amyhoff1501]

We are in day 2 of four days of temps in the 90s here in Western Massachusetts, YIKES , no gardening for me . Can’t wait to see the Begonias come up , love 💕 the boots

[@moonpi4604]

I always put coneflower and black eyed susan seedlings in my pots. Lemon balm always needs thinned and its lovely in pots.

[@petra3865]

I really love the colors!

[@joywhitley3141]

For the past few years, I use perennials in pots (Veronica, Gerber daisies, Russian Sage, Agapanthus) so I can see them from my French doors. Then in lat summer when I’m ready to take them apart, I put them in my in-ground beds....I like to think of it as recycling. 😛❤️

[@DixieGirl9876]

Procrastigardening all the time! I love the combination of plants in your window box. Yes, I steal from Peter to pay Paul all the time, especially to save money. lol 7b here, I'm currently rooting about a dozen cuttings from my pinky winky hydrangea to start a hedge along the base of a hill. I also divided many hostas to start a new area, and I'm moving some native ferns from the base of our back porch to add to the new area as well, not to mention three knock out roses I rooted last year that needs to be transplanted or I may gift them to our new neighbor. A gardener's work is never done, right?!

[@sharondvorak6914]

I garden in 7B. My window boxes are in shade, so I am limited. I change my boxes for summer and winter. I like to try different combinations, so I usually buy new annuals. This summer it is Caladiums from bulbs that I started early inside, and impatiens.

[@LindaVater]

I did caladiums last year and loved them.

[@Kim-ek7xy]

That was a great tip about the coleus; I would have watered it, not taking into account the heat making it droopy and not a lack of water. I'm sure I've killed many plants by over-watering. The colors in that southern-facing window box are gorgeous! I'd be scared to pull apart that beautiful lantana, but apparently if it doesn't have a tight rootball yet, it's okay. I never would have thought of doing that, another great tip, thanks Linda!

[@gwynethgaspari6255]

Yes I dug up some Bigroot Hardy Geranium the other day to put in my front porch pots. The perennial has relatively shallow roots and fluffs out nicely, so I wanted to try it as a cheap and easy way to get some green in those pots up front. I took them from a backyard bed that is at the bottom of the priority list. Zone 7 Philly PA.

[@susanskinner8855]

Yes, I have for many years. When I didnt have time to tend to annuals because I was away for long periods of time, i substituted with perennials, especially hostas because they were always green, pruning rarely required. In the fall i just planted them back in the garden. Great opportunity to divide perennials as well! Zone 6b

[@marianhintz9981]

The front window box is beautiful. The back is gonna be beautiful too. I do procrastinate garden also!

[@tonigilyard10]

Yes I do. This stretches my garden dollar!

[@donnamullins2089]

Cant wait to see your window box bloom out in a few weeks. I always buy hanging baskets to divide. Usually the plants are larger and the root balls are more established. Easy as pie. Looking good.

[@tamimartine8441]

I dig things out to put in pots or fill an empty space all the time. I have a ton of Creeping Jenny that I dig to use in pots, and since it's perennial I have a head start on my pots the next spring.. I also have put hostas in pots for years. I have the cutest group of 3 sizes of mossy terra cotta pots with small hostas and creeping Jenny that are in their 3rd year now.

[@marcusseidel6824]

Nice combinations for both window boxes. I also need to use the good weather intervals to get things finished. I have the idea I never have enough time ... Things indoors need to wait when the weather invites for gardening. Hopefully both windowboxes will get well filled with bushy healthy new growth. All the best ! Kind regards, Marcus

[@carolsuesamuelson7935]

I shopped my garden last spring. Planted up some pots I have left them this year. I found I liked the way they came back this spring. Saved a lot of money from buy annuals.

[@soularrays3337]

Love the tips, Linda! I garden in zone 5 and I've recently started 2 new flower beds, I bought a lot of new plants but then I shopped my own garden to help fill the beds in more quickly, to bring an element of cohesion and to save money, of course!

[@PAGIrl777]

I use plants from all over my yard on other spots and new beds. Zone 6. Up in the mountains in NJ , boarder of ny state. One acre yard. So worth it bringing my favorite colors in other areas and fillers. Love your show.

[@Li-Anderson]

📢"Linda Vater!" Guilty not!🤗 Thank you, for getting outside for us!" I haven't watched the entire video, but I know I'm always in for a treat.😊Steal from Peter all the time!🤭Have a awesome weekend!⛅🥰

[@nancyconnell8579]

In zone 6 CT I'm going to rescue baby hosta before the deer eat it. My husband gave me a beautiful hanging basket for Mother's Day with orange/yellow lantana. Planted yellow lantana with golden euonymus in a container today. Looks like summer in our 85 degree weather. Thanks for the video & wardrobe update.

[@spoochymcgoo1616]

Southern England where almost everything grows well and doesn't poop out in summer heat (what heat?). I always take from one garden to another garden or container. Twice a year we take a large planter to my MIL's home on the southsea and plant with summer flowering in spring and winter flowering in fall. Pinks and violets bloom all year long on her protected south facing balcony if kept deadheaded.

[@sandrakendrick176]

Oh Linda, I have the Vinca in one of my beds that has grown like crazy. I was pulling it out by the bucket full a couple days ago. Guess I have a love/hate relationship with that ground cover. If it would just stay where I put it, we would get along better 😊 Never thought about putting it into a window box.

[@danielallen138]

I have a love/hate relationship with vinca, but it's tipping towards hate! LOL Plus it gets long wild grass growing in between that I'm constantly pulling, to little avail.

[@dianeshort8066]

I always use plants from ground to hanging baskets amd pots. Plus indoor plants such as oxalis, fern etc.

[@sydneykasmar]

I enjoy color although reds and oranges would not be my first choice for flowers. When I see your front window box I appreciate the purples and blues bringing a great balance to the warm colors. It's beautiful!

[@deborahr9237]

As usual just beautiful composition and beautifully thought out. I rec'd 3 SL plants yesterday - all 3 are for YOUR pots (I chose stone) - Sunshine ligustrum, Ever Agapanthus, and a Skypencil Holly. They will have a place of honor in front of a 3 boxwood hedge that sits in front of the LR windows. I already have a pea gravel runway ready for them to land. You've inspired me so much this past winter/pandemic season - I am so happy with my container-only garden this year- no one can believe it - and I have you to thank!!

[@kyrad6543]

My window boxes are in a good amount of shade as well. I put some leftover hostas in mine too. I wanted to put some little lemon cypress trees in mine but couldn't find them for a good price. l have that same exact mini iron bird bath you have on the window sill there.

[@aimeeseattle]

A LV video including boxwood - Saturday morning is off to a good start! Great tip with the floral pins! I started to use floral pins just recently to peg down my container climbing rose 🌹

[@5262janna]

I am with you on the packaging from bricks, it is the very best.

[@cb779]

Really enjoy your channel Linda. Thank you for all the great ideas and motivation!! ♥️

[@betzie2]

I am doing purples this year with touches of yellow but love your orange with it too. I planted my first Red Hot Poker plant though the other week and it’s blooming away! In zone 7b...great inspiration as always Linda!

[@joycekuhlman4450]

Boy oh boy I’m where you are, ugh lol love everything you do! Got my qvc baskets and can’t wait to use them!

[@ScrapnAllie]

Have a Norstrom rack, in my area I will for sure keep my eye open for those Made Well T’s and now I know y my ivy has burned tips it doesn’t like full sun 🤦🏻‍♀️ mine is past the sweaty and went straight to sunburn 🥵 will move her today thanks for your expertise 👍🏼

[@carolromeo3758]

Gorgeous! Where do you find your cute gardening shoes?

[@brendagraybeal2543]

I have a wren in one of my flower boxes on my fence.

[@patrickbell9976]

Great video, as always, Linda. I garden in zone 6, and I take creeping jenny from my front beds to use as spillers in pots with petunias by the pool. As you know, creeping jenny shows up everywhere, so why not take it for other uses?

[@sharronhinson1619]

Can you show some pics of your SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE pics when they featured your gardens. Please

[@nevawebb590]

Google Southern Living Linda Vater and you'll get both video and article results. I just "discovered" Linda and have been binge watching (and reading).

[@lanabisson2675]

I also have another word I use, when I clean. it motivates me.. I clean-orate... (clean and decorate)

[@LindaVater]

I LOVE IT!

[@sherrisclafani9702]

Love marigolds mixed with lavender 🌼💜

[@meeshelle1397]

Great tip with the hair bobby pins, I’ve used this with young ivy before. We are having an unusually hot spell north UK so lots of watering atm. Love your content Linda 🌟

[@Bjl2180]

Window boxes are a great way to use plants that would otherwise be invasive in the ground, like the ivy and vinca you incorporated.

[@patriciaaraya4222]

Just getting started with window boxes. Having them custom built and installed to our brick. Never have had them. Not sure how long it’ll take. Maybe I’ll be doing a Fall look. Haha

[@sandramigacz1766]

I’m moving and sharing plants all the time!

[@peggyfleming656]

I have one of those little iron bird baths.

[@chrispetersen6402]

I do the same thing with the wood shavings!

[@annehindley-norwick9997]

Zone 7b/8: I also moved 2 small lemon cypress from my front yard winter containers to a side yard, repositioning them into simple concrete containers (which my husband and I designed & made) to create some structure there. Will I try my hand at topiary? They are good candidates....

[@sharry8473]

Great ideas, thank you.