WINDOW BOX INSPIRATION IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

I think window boxes are some of the most fun but most challenging containers to get right. Depending on their placement they may need to drape, may have restrictions as to how high they can be (so as to not block a window) and are often narrow, leaving not a lot of soil for plants to grow in. But done right, they become an architectural asset. 

I like to study window box design because I'm always looking to do it better. And Mackinac Island (which I visited a few weeks ago, as I do every year), is full of window box inspiration.

This is actually several window boxes butted up together and mounted a little below eye level. The gap between boxes is bridged by the Thunbergia on a simple stick trellis. 

Planting a window box in sun leaves oodles of options for plant combinations. But shade window boxes can be a challenge. Here's a charming shade box, mounted under a window outside a shop at about hip height. This might be my favorite window box of all of these. Don't you love how the lilac color of the box is reflected in the heuchera in the box?

All of the window boxes at the Iroquois Hotel, all planted by Jack Barnwell's amazing crew, were red, white and blue this year. I like how the white flowers reflect the color of the boxes and the building (hmm ... I'm sensing a theme here). 

This is a huge "window box" at the back of the giant spa on the lake side of the Chippewa Hotel. I love the papyrus grasses, but I'd like to see a little more drape. That may be coming when the sweet potato vine and the petunias get a little more mature.

This is more of a railing box, but it's the same concept. I quite like this design as well, but again, I'd like to see less box. I always wonder how people water these boxes on a second floor. I would hate to have to get water from a bathroom or something.

 Here's another railing box and this one is SO good. What a great tie in to the gardens below.

What does your ideal window box look like? You can see how I planted mine up this year here. I'll post an update on my containers soon. 

ABUNDANCE OF GARDEN CHARM

I've been a bit slow in posting this week, in part because it's that horrible just-back-from-vacation thing where you're running around and feel like nothing is getting done, but also because I took SO many photos this year that it's taking me awhile to get through them. I tell ya, Mackinac Island is heaven for a gardener. There is so much color and inspiration everywhere you turn.

I'm a nut for fences and gates. I can't explain this, but I love them, and yet I have neither in my garden! This will have to change.  But how charming are these?

And plant-lined walkways to beautiful old cottages.

Mr. Much More Patient declared the Mackinac Island Post Office the most charming post office on the planet.

And of course gorgeous views of the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron connect.

That's the prettiest lighthouse on the Great Lakes in the background: Round Island Light. It's also one end of the finish line for the sailboat race I do to the island every year.

My favorite climbing hydrangea arbor that I take a picture of every year.

 Amazing plantings in yards.

Both sides of this house had these terraced beds just brimming with color.

And of course the most incredible displays of annuals designed by Jack Barnwell, including this gorgeous container.

This is just the tip of the iceberg folks. I have so many inspiring shots to show you. Stay tuned! If you want to see more though, consider going to the Grand Garden Show in August. You'll get "backstage" tours of the most amazing private yards on the island.