Last updated on March 22nd, 2013
THIS WEEK I had great fun producing an “autumn scene” for the window in my upstairs bath. I even photographed the garden (above; click to enlarge), and shared it on Facebook. There, some readers felt the window looked cheerful “as is,” while others thought the middle shelf required two more plants. Would you like to see my happy compromise, along with some close-up shots of this brightly-colored, easy-to-make garden?
I desperately searched for two crystal figurines to flank the yellow rose on the middle shelf. The problem? I don’t own any crystal figurines. I settled on a pair of sterling silver candlesticks instead. These provide a sense of symmetry, and the candles — when lit after dark — cast a romantic glow over the entire garden.
And that’s one great aspect of an indoor landscape: you can easily move pots around, and even add features like candlesticks or other bric-a-brac until your horticultural portrait seems “just right.” After all, a window garden should not only be fun to make, but a daily pleasure to behold!
Now, about those closeups I promised:
Saintpaulias in purple, pink, and blue reside on the first of three glass shelves. They will bloom and bloom in this eastern exposure.
Miniature roses, one in cream and one in lavender (above), adorn the bookcase. These tiny treasures rebloom if you give them a rest between their big flowering flushes.
A pair of golden-eyed, pink chrysanthemums (florist-grown) flank the miniature roses on the bookcase. Potted “mums” last and last indoors if, once each week, you soak their pots in pail of water.
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Phoebe says
So inspiring, Kevin! And amazing with OR without the candlesticks.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Phoebe – you should see this with the candles lit, and the overhead chandelier dimmed. Kinda cool.
Adele says
Kevin, except for the hair-blower in the one shot, I'd never guess this was a bathroom window. What a beautiful scene you've created with plants.
Anonymous says
You are amazing
Brigid
Katreader says
It looks wonderful. I'd love to light the candles and have a bubble bath!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Katreader – There is a Victorian slipper-tub in the room. It's GREAT for bubble-baths!
carolpie says
Just beautiful!
rah267 says
Wow this is so beautiful. We are moving to a new house as soon as our place sells. I am already looking forward to trying out your idea in my new bathroom. Beautiful
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
carolpie – you are too kind.
Welcome, rah267 – so glad you feel inspired to make a window garden of your own.
Anonymous says
Kevin ~ We did the same treatment to a large over-the-sink window in the kitchen before finding your blog, long thick glass shelves to hold amazing African Violets. Now I feel so hip. Only difference is mine are in old pieces of Spode. Aren't African Violets the best ever? We never fail to get comments. Elizabeth
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Elizabeth — Yes, African violets look delightful on glass shelves, and particularly so when placed in old pieces of Spode. I once placed miniature AVs in Royal Albert teacups — what a picture they made.
Ellie Wilbanks says
Kevin, the mums should soak in a pail of water.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Ellie – Thanks for pointing that out. I am the worst speller! My “pale” is now a “pail.”
Verlann says
How thick should the glass be for this window garden? I thought I read somewhere that it should be 1/2 inch thick, is that correct? If so, I have been pricing glass and it seems to be rather expensive.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Verlann – Be sure to read my post on designing a window garden. You’ll find my money-saving tip for buying glass shelves! Here’s the post: Steps to a Window Garden
Penelope Roberts says
You have a discerning eye – the middle shelf is perfect as is – lovely balance! Keep on Keepin’ on Kevin.
Cheryl Bell says
So beautiful!