WINDOW GARDENS 103 
The plants should not be taken out of the pots, but the latter should 
be plunged in the soil in the box, and the roots allowed to ramble 
through the drainage hole of the pots. Such plants may be left in 
position for several years, the boxes being filled with bulbs and 
spring flowering subjects each autumn. But annual climbers, if 
preferred, may be used. Tropaeolum Canariense, climbing Nastur- 
tiums, Convolvuluses, and similar plants, also Runner Beans, may 
be so grown. Rapid growing kinds of plants should be selected. 
Stiff, erect growing plants should not be used entirely for window 
boxes. Several of. such may be put in, but there should be others 
of a graceful habit, such as Fuchsias. Then a number of trailing 
plants, whose shoots will depend from the sides of the boxes, are 
essential to give a finished appearance to the arrangement. 
Zonal Geraniums, Ivy-leaved Geraniums, white and yellow 
flowered Marguerites, Petunias (grand subjects for window boxes), 
Verbenas, Gazanias, Begonias, Ageratums, Calceolarias, Musk, 
Heliotropes, Salvia fulgens, and — - 
Lobelias all look well in these 
boxes. Coleuses are splendid 
foliage plants also. Less ex- 
pensive plants may be used 
with good effect, and these 
include Mignonette, Asters, 
Stocks, Marigelds (especially 
French Marigolds), Phlox 
Drummondii, dwarf Nastur- Ss Se 
tiums, Zinnias, Tagetes signata = aoe 
pumila, Golden Feather, and —_ ggocks IN BOTTOM OF WINDOW 
Matthiola bicornis (Night BOX. 
Scented Stock). Scented leaved 
Geraniums and Aloysia citriodora (sweet scented leaved Verbena) 
are favourites. In every case care should be taken not to 
overcrowd the plants. Give each one ample room to grow in, 
then the general effect will be enhanced. Window sills generally 
have a sloping surface, but the boxes placed there must be level, 
so that the plants in them may be properly watered. If two 
wooden wedges be placed under each box, as shown in the illustration 
on p. 102, the perfectly level surface will be obtained. 
Preparing the Boxes,—These should be painted on the 
outside only. Holes should be made in the bottom of the box to 
allow all surplus water to run away, as shown in the above diagram. 
Over the holes some crocks should be placed, as shown at A in the 
sketch. The soil used must be of good quality, because only a 
small quantity can be put in for the support of many plants. Place 
some rough pieces of fibrous turf on the drainage material, and 
then fill up the box with good loam, leaf soil, road grit or sand, and 
a small quantity of well rotted manure. 
