Discover CharlestonCharleston SC: Window Box Traditions

The South of Broad and historic districts of downtown Charleston boast some of the most beautiful homes in the country. Nostalgic touches like gas lanterns, carriage houses, and impeccably manicured gardens give these homes their unique charm. Homes in downtown Charleston are typically built very close together, so there is usually little space for a yard. However, just because these homes lack front yards and entryway landscaping doesn’t keep the residents from creating a welcoming garden! Window box planters are a traditional solution for Charleston’s home and garden décor.

Are you ready to dress your home in the Charleston fashion? Now that we’re heading towards cooler fall weather, it’s the perfect time to get outside and tend to your garden! Here are some tips for putting together the perfect fall window boxes for your home in Charleston (or anywhere):

1. Find yourself the perfect window box, with ample drainage, that can support the weight of your garden. You can reduce the weight of your box by using a plastic container, or by using a potting mix instead of traditional soil. If you’re using a wood box, be sure to line with metal or plastic so the wood does not rot. You want to make sure air can flow between the box and the side of your house to prevent rot as well. 

2. Now you’re ready to start choosing your plants! It’s best to have a variety, and we recommend using the “thriller, filler, and spiller” method. Your thrillers will be larger statement plants that provide a focal point for your planter. Fillers will fill in space with smaller blooms and pops of color. Spillers are vines or wandering plants that will grow to hang over the edge of your planter. Here are some of our favorite cool-weather plants for fall gardening in Charleston:

• Thrillers: foxglove, hyacinth, snapdragons, calla lily, twinspur, elephant ears, holy fern, geraniums, tulips
• Fillers: Million bells, tuberose begonias, primrose, English daisy, violas
• Spillers: Nasturtiums, flowering kale, wandering jew, lobelia, verbena, bacopa

3. Arrange your planter with the thrillers as the focal point and build outward with fillers and spillers. Plant spillers closer to the edges so the vines can trail over the sides, giving your planter a lush and full look. Don’t forget, window box planters will dry out much faster than a traditional garden, so it’s important to water regularly. Use a fertilized potting mix, or add a water soluble fertilizer to your watering regimen every two weeks. You can also consult the Charleston Horticultural Society for more tips and ideas!

Note: Creating a welcoming garden can make your Charleston SC house truly feel like a lowcountry home. Window boxes are just much a lowcountry staple as boiled peanuts, basket weaving, and barbecue. If you’ve been dreaming of having a picture perfect Charleston home and garden, we can help you get started….