Fall's Bounty Window Box

Materials and Tools:

window box
vinyl-covered chicken wire
wire cutters or scissors
staple gun
wood or bamboo skewers
drill
silicone caulk
floral tape
dried grasses
winter cabbage
mums
pumpkins
gourds
small live evergreens

Steps:

1. Add a layer of soil to the bottom of a window box. Cut a piece of chicken wire to fit the top of the window box and attach with staples.

2. Choose items for the window box arrangement. These can include dried elements, living plants or a combination of both. Include elements of different heights, shapes, colors and textures. To secure a gourd in the arrangement, drill a small hole in the bottom of the gourd, insert a wooden skewer and seal the hole with a touch of silicone caulk. This will prevent rot and make the gourd last a little longer.

3. "Plant" items in the window box by sticking them down through the chicken wire. Don't just line everything up straight and level; position elements to show off their most dramatic sides and emphasize variety.

4. Many dried grasses can be delicate and wispy. For a better-looking presentation, gather them into a bunch and use floral tape to secure them to a wooden skewer. Make sure the skewer extends beyond the bottom of the bouquet. Insert the skewer through the chicken wire.

5. Add some live greenery to the box: cypress, evergreen and juniper plants will hold their color through the winter. Cut a hole in the chicken wire with snips and plant the evergreen in the soil.

6. After Thanksgiving, make the window boxes a part of your Christmas decor by replacing the fall elements with pine cones, pieces of point pines, cedar branches, holly or even a string of lights.