Why not try winter window boxes?

A winter window box is the same as any other window box except it is filled with winter flowers and spring bulbs.

Mine have a layer of Narcissus 'February Gold' half way down. On top of these are small species Tulips - pulchella, wilsoniana, chrysanthe.

The next layer is mixed species Crocus and Galanthus nivalis.

On the surface are trailing Ivies and winter Violas. The season goes from now right through to May when summer annuals are added

I had bought several window boxes on clearance to save for next year. This gives me an idea. Could I plant bulbs this fall in a flower box? These boxes are on about 6-7 inches high. Would they be deep enough?

That depth should be OK for dwarf bulbs. Remember to make the soil quite gritty as you dont want the bulbs sitting in water.

I'll make another one tomorrow and show how I do it.

I'll be waiting, Mark!
Why didn't I ever think of this, of course I always have plenty of violas :D

Great idea. I have a diy window box instructions for building and will get to it. gr r r r r idea. Thanks for sharing, Mark.

it's not my idea. It's commonly done in the UK and probably Europe too. The gardening programs will be mentioning them soon too.

Mark, how deep are your window boxes with all those layers of bulbs? How much soil between layers and do you use potting soil and ? You "promised" us a photo of how you do it. I have been waiting with baited breath and I want to start breathing normal again so post that photo when available. Many thanks. A.

Would a winter box survive the temps of Zone 5, or are we only talking of places with decent weather?

anastatia the bulbs are in layers no more than an inch above each other. I dont know what potting soil is. I use a mix of top soil and grit.

Wandas there is no reason why your box wont survive. Can you elaborate why you think they wont work?

I have taken most of the photos and will make a web page when I get them all taken.

Ok Mark. I am back to "baited breath" breathing til the web page is up. Many thanks.

anastatia
It gets dark here a couple of hours after I get home from work which means I can only take photos at the weekends and this weekend I'm away in Southern Ireland to visit a friend.

Anything left outside in pots freezes solid. My spring bulbs are under a layer of mulch to stop the thaw & freeze in the dead of wionter from hurting them. I have some bulbs--I'm going to try it!

they do look fantastic .

To extend the season Hyacintholdes non-scripta
- Bluebells - and Scillas can be planted