Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
Even as autumn’s frosts blacken the plants outdoors, plants in windows are just beginning their careers. To prove this point, I took a few pictures of the window garden in my music room. Shall we have a closer, more intimate look at this window and its colorful inhabitants?
On the sill, pale pink chrysanthemums flank a bowl of Narcissus paperwhites. To keep paperwhites from growing too tall (and thus requiring staking), I add a little gin to the pebble-and-water medium. “Mums,” I find, are a great investment; provided ample moisture and cool temperatures, they bloom for three full months. At stage right are philodendron cuttings, rooted in a hanging vase, and Zebrina pendula, one of the more colorful, easy-to-grow vines. To the left, and almost ready to bloom, is a light-pink variety of Schlumbergera truncate, the “Thanksgiving” cactus.
On the first shelf, Begonia semperflorens and impatiens make a bright, everblooming picture of white, pink, and red.
A trio of Jasminum polyanthum resides on the top shelf. This ‘Winter Flowering’ jasmine sets buds in autumn, if permitted nighttime temperatures below 60 degrees. I removed the storm sash from the window to guarantee its cool comfort. The bloom-period is truly spectacular — from late December all the way through March, polyanthum covers itself with white, star-shaped, deliciously-scented flowers.
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Eric says
What beautiful plants, Kevin, and what a nice home you have given them!
Ann says
I would love to grow wax begonias, because I know they bloom really well indoors. But where on earth do you get them in November?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Ann – if you live in the Northeast, as I do, and want wax begonias (and impatiens) for winter bloom, you have to obtain them in spring. Grow them outdoors in pots during summer, and bring them indoors in September. Or, make new plants from stem cuttings taken anytime during summer.
Justin says
Kevin, I like that you have a strong focal point (the paperwhites), and also balance (a pair of mums, asymmetrical pairs of vines) in the garden. My windowsill looks like a mish-mash of plants by comparison!
And is that a prayer plant over on the right? What's hanging from the bracket (also on the right)?
Kim says
I would love to train a flowering vine to surround a window. Unfortunately, I can't have jasmine, because all of the windows in my house are modern, meaning they don't get cold. Can you recommend a flowering vine that handle temperatures of 65-75 degrees in winter?
Gardenlady says
That window garden is really beautiful. It's good see some of the plants you've written about “in action.” Did you take the pictures at night?
Micky says
I love the whole composition. Thanks for sharing it. Micky
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Justin – yes, that is a prayer-plant (Maranta). In the hanging basket is Ceropegia woodii.
Kim – welcome! The only vine that comes to mind for your situation is Crown of Thorns, or Euphorbia milii. You might post this question under “Ask Kevin,” too. Perhaps another reader will think of a blooming vine that can manage warm conditions.
Gardenlady – Yes, the pictures were taken at night; I find that plants in windows can be very difficult to photograph during the day, when outdoor and indoor light are grossly unbalanced!
Amy B. says
I love your compositions! I try to do horticultural “still lifes” at my windows, too, although I don't have any glass plant shelves. I think the shelves make all the difference. Were these difficult to install? Thanks in advance for responding.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Welcome, Amy! Designing lush, elaborate window gardens is probably my favorite pasttime. My glass shelves were really easy to install. I used 1/2-inch “salvage” glass, obtained from the glass-cutter's shop, and braced them with ornamental shelf supports from the hardware store. If you check the September “archives” on this blog, you will find more information about equipping windows with shelves and brackets. Hope to “see” you again!