It is believed that the
first window boxes hung from the terraces in the Gardens of Babylon
(southern Iraq) making the plants look like they were suspended or
floating in mid air. The story goes that King Nebuchadnezzar II, who
ruled between 605-562 BC had the gardens built for his wife Queen
Amytis of Medis who was homesick for the mountains of her homeland.
In 290 BC the Babylonian Priest Berrossus writes about these gardens
crediting the King with their creation. The exact location of these
gardens have yet to be identified and no physical evidence have been
found making some believe they are more mythical then physical. If
the gardens were real then it's believed that they had been destroyed
after the 1st century AD.
For the Romans the use of
window boxes was purposeful and convenient. These terra cotta boxes
were used for growing herbs for food, medicine and religious
purposes. Overtime, these boxes took on a more decorative role with
flowers replacing herbs. Wealthy Romans created gardens on balconies
and rooftops with the use of window boxes. Roman writer, naturalist
and philosopher Pliny the Elder mentions window boxes in his works,
Naturalis Historia (encyclopedias). In it he writes:
“The
urban poor used to have window-boxes, which gave them a glimpse of
the countryside every day, but now the countless violent burglaries
have forced them to shutter their windows.”
The use of window boxes
spread through Europe (as did the Romans) and eventually to the US.
The French used wrought iron to create their boxes while the English
utilized wire hay baskets for a “cottage style garden”. The
arrival of the settlers to America gave rise to the traditional
colonial style window box. One thought is that the poor utilized
window boxes in Europe do to lack of land for traditional gardens.
In historic cities like Charleston, South Carolina, homes extend all
the way out to the sidewalks. This left no front yard garden space,
thus the use of window boxes. Today, these boxes play a vital role
in the cities appearance.
According to an article in
the Independent (Oct. 13, 1995) window boxes were at their height of
popularity by the 1870's. In 1955, Neosho Missouri embarked on a
city wide, beautification project utilizing window-boxes. Since 1957
it has been known as “The Flower Box City” at least to the
locals. In cities like Philadelphia, window box companies will
design, install, plant and replant your window-boxes seasonally.
When designing your own
window boxes think “Thriller, Filler, Spiller”. Thriller plants
are the tallest, adding drama, movement and a focal point. Fillers,
as the name implies adds mass, texture and color. And spillers are
trailing plants that drape over the sides, creating softness and
anchors the design.
Window boxes can add charm
and beauty. They are miniature gardens that bring nature in and
provide a colorful view looking out. They can also support our
pollinators. In 2016 the USDA launched “Plant A Window Box for
Pollinators” through the Peoples Garden Initiative Website
(peoplesgarden.usda.gov).
This tool helps you locate plants for pollinators based on your zip
code. The Pollinator Partnership (pollinator.org/windowbox) has
created an online web application in which you can create a window
boxes for pollinators with an emphasis on native plants. Once
created you can share your virtual window box with others through
social media or create the real deal.
