Design is a very personal thing, but the trend in recent years is towards using natural objects and greenery in winter container displays. When designing your window boxes, consider the overall look and style of your home. You may want to choose a neutral or traditional color palette, or experiment with bolder, more unusual colors. Consider that this decor may be a focal point in the winter landscape, which in many places lacks color. Looking for inspiration? Here are our favorite 13 winter window boxes worth recreating. Although lighting isn’t necessary, adding a light element can really create a magical vibe after dark. There are battery-powered lights to make this easier (they can be switched off as desired to save battery life), and even solar-powered outdoor lights that are easy to use. If you want to use candles, battery-powered flameless candles that flicker are the safest option.
Choosing Plants for a Winter Window Box
The variety of evergreens out there is astounding, and all of them can be used in making your window boxes. Popular choices for the season include spruce, fir, pine, juniper, yew, arborvitae, boxwood, privet, and vinca vines. Many nurseries sell cut boughs at this time of year, as do some florist shops and farmers’ markets. But if you’re a DIY type, maybe ask your friends who own some rural property if you can explore their woods and cut some greenery yourself. Or if you or someone you know has large evergreen trees or shrubs, do some pruning! Place the stems in a bucket with a bit of water in the bottom until you’re ready to use them. Some plant materials last longer than others in these displays. Holly tends to dry out quickly, for example, while most conifers stay fresh outdoors for weeks. In addition to greenery, don’t overlook dried or dormant vegetation that might be just the thing for a dramatic design. Sedum stems can be a good sturdy addition. Cutting young twigs from trees can also provide good color and texture. Fallen pine cones are great in window boxes; leave them as is or decorate with craft paint or glitter. Spraying with fixative keeps glitter from falling.
