Thrifty Window Box!

I have dreamed of a pretty window box for under this garage window since moving into my home several years ago. I priced them out and OUCH, I sure felt the pinch big time. My the price was dear! It is a long window and the cheapest box I liked was $280.00. It needed to be low maintenance and made from material that would hold up to harsh winters so I held off buying a cheaper variety.

I was absolutely thrilled when I spotted this 65” lightweight fiberglass container for $10.00 at an estate sale last weekend. It started the wheels in my head turning and I knew I could make it into the window box I wanted. It was a beige color so with the assistance of a can of $6.00 Rustoleum black spray paint the magical metamorphosis began.

I needed something to mount the window box to the brick so I used 3 galvanized steel support brackets from the hardware store. The window is close to the shrubs below, so I did not want to use more expensive decorative support brackets. These were $6.00 each and even though they would not show from the top I sprayed them black to make absolutely sure they would blend in. This also provided an added layer of protection from the weather.

My hubby was kind enough to assist me AGAIN, thanks honey! He used special brick screws and anchors to attach the support brackets to the house. He then drilled a few small holes into the bottom of the container for drainage.

I used a great tip from a talented lady who is my garden guru Toosite @ TOOTSIE TIME for how to make an inexpensive liner. I simply took a couple heavy black plastic trash bags and poked a few holes into the bottom with a pencil then placed them into the container. I fill it with potting soil then cut away the excess plastic before adding a variety of colorful flowers.

I planted spike (dracaena) the tall green plant for the center focal point. I surrounded it by adding pink geraniums, white cascading alyssum, blue cascading lobelia and finished it off with a trailing green ivy. I planted these a bit late in the season, but should still have a couple months of color before the snows set in. During the holiday season I plan on filling it overflowing with red berries and holly so am excited to finally have it.


I chose colors that work with my front entry door wreath. I made last spring and wrote a tutorial if you want one for yourself. You can find the instructions here.

Easy Door Wreath Project

Posted @ Rhoda's Southern Hospitality Thrifty Treasures and Susan's Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday.