Root Stock & Quade is located in Park Slope and Clinton Hill. Co-owner John Rattigan, is well known for his inspired garden designs. Their store has been featured in various high-profile magazines and they've appeared on TV shows like The View.
When it comes to flower arrangements of all kinds, there's no doubt Kerry Quade has picked up a few tricks. Hip Slope Mama asked Kerry, also known as "Mama Quade" around her shop, to provide a few tips on how to add a splash of color and visual interest to your home using window boxes this summer. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, you can revamp plain, somber windows easily and inexpensively with a minimal amount of effort. And if your green thumb is a bit out of shape, don’t worry, Kerry will show you just how easy it is to be green.
Have a window sill?
Step 1: Take a look at your lighting situation super sunny? Not so much?
Step 2: Think about the vessels and make an investment in the containers – Keep in mind they are an accessory to the exterior of your home so choose appropriately.
- Terra cotta - does not winter over here in the northeast. (Plastic can be light and blow off elevated ledges).
- Cast stone - more expensive by a long shot but you’ll have them for the long haul!
- Wood - can find stock and custom made sizes. They are quite durable but certainly not inexpensive.
- Recycle! - Use a collection of metal coffee cans in bright colors filled with kitchen herbs. Scour Ebay or the Brooklyn Flea for groovy vintage vessels.
Step 3: Set a planting budget and dig in!
Step 4: Think about color/texture
- Pick a pair of vines to place at either end of the box to trail
Step 5: You get thirsty- so do your plants!
- Remember to water everyday.
- Hot Tip: Best to water in the morning. Watering at night is like taking a shower and not drying off and climbing into bed – it promotes fungus and mold in the soil and leads to all sorts of nasty mess.
Tip Sheet!
1) Kitchen Window? Choose herbs! Remember they like sun.
2) Viney goodness: Vinca, Sweet potato,(burgundy or green) Ivy
3) Pick mono or duo chromatic palettes:
- If you have a Brownstone go with a pink/burgundy palette!
- If you have a Limestone, super textural green tones are gorgeous.
.jpg){kind=logo}
