Advice for newbie making deck planters

I'm a novice woodworker, having only made a box here or there. I don't have much in the way of tools either, but I do have a will to learn! I'm thinking about making some long planters to sit on my deck, and maybe some "window boxes" to hang from the railings.

Does anyone have any recommendations for wood (cedar or cypress?) vs maybe the 'fake wood' boards. I'd definitely want it to hold up against the moisture and last for a while. My deck is in full sun. I don't know what would be most economical, and what would be easiest to work with.

What I have to work with is a circular saw, electric drill, various small hand saws, some long clamps...