Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
LAST WEEKEND, I had great fun designing a purple, pink and blue garden for the window in my upstairs bath. This window, which faces east, is outfitted with a broad sill (made possible by a bookcase that just matches the height of the existing sill) and three glass shelves. Here are the plants, and a few words about them, which comprise the multi-level portrait:
On the bookcase, from left-to-right: Davallia fejeensis, the so-called “Rabbit’s Foot Fern;” Aster dumosus ‘Sapphire;’ a trio of pink Begonia semperflorens; Coffea arabica, and Asparagus densiflorus, or “Asparagus Fern.” To boost the humidity around the ferns, I’ve set their pots on pebble filled saucers, to which a quantity of water is added daily.
This hardy aster is an excellent, if temporary, window garden investment. Plant it outdoors after its flowers fade (but before the ground freezes) and it will return year after year.
You can depend on the waxen blooms of B. semperflorens to emerge non-stop all winter long. How I care for this easy plant.
First shelf: African violets are also reliable for winter bloom. Here, a pair of pink singles flank a double purple one. How I propagate and grow these Saintpaulias.
Second Shelf: More African violets, this time flanking another pink begonia. Repetition is as important to the window garden as it is the perennial border outdoors.
Third shelf: Two pots of philodendron give the window an enduring green frame. A ceramic planter set between holds philodendron cuttings. I love good ole “Dr. Phil.”
Want to see the various window gardens I’ve designed over the years? You will find them here.
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Anonymous says
very beautiful, such a beautiful window you have me trying pink. I am taking plants out of garden and moving them in greenhouse today. Going to try and bring in the pink begonia's….digging them up and giving them a bath with the hose and hoping no bugs come inside. Fall is upon us although they are saying 74 today…good day to work outside before the cold front hits. thanks for sharing Kevin…
Adele says
Gorgeous. I love the all the bright colors against the against the warm tones of the room.
LANA says
I love the idea of a window garden in a bathroom (upstairs, of course, for privacy). I am sure they love the humidity, and I assume there is a shower or tub. What about the humidity and the books? Just curious.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Anonymous – Yes! Bring in your pink begonias. I'd give them only a light spraying, however. They generally do not attract pests (another reason why I love them for a window garden).
Adele – Glad to hear you like the colors.
Lana – I've had this window garden for several years now, and so far no damage to books from humidity. This particular bathroom doesn't have a shower — just a big claw-footed Victorian “slipper” tub.
Donna B. says
Kevin, your window gardens are such an inspiration! I have a west-facing window in my bathroom that get's good mid day sun, as well as my secondary room [to which will soon be my art room] with a south facing window… I believe I know what I am going to do with those! Whee!
Going to check up on ALL of your window garden plants posts to see what I could possibly grow…
I do have to ask though – what temperature does your rooms consistently stay? I'm more of a cold weather person, my house can be a balmy 50~55 degrees during the winter months, especially upstairs [and there won't be humidity, so I'll need trays]. Will they be ok?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Donna B. – Seems like you have the right environment for plants, especially fragrant, flowering ones. These prefer the low temperatures you describe.
Even tropical plants prefer 55 to 75 degrees indoors. For the lower the temperature, the greater the humidity.
If you do set up a window garden, I promise you won't regret it. Such a garden is not only a constant pleasure to look at, but fun to care for, too.
Pamdemonium says
Hi Kevin,
With Autumn upon us, I thought I'd send you a little poem. It's short and to the point…I wish I had written it.
AUTUMN
It is Summer's Last Heat
It is Winter's First Chill
They Meet
Please keep all your admirers real busy this Winter! Regards!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Pamdemonium – What beautiful words, and not just the poem. You made my day.