To plant artificial flowers in window boxes and keep them secure, weigh down the box using sand or stones in a bag.
While the provided video excerpt only details the very first step (weighing down the box), here’s a comprehensive guide based on common practices for creating beautiful and long-lasting artificial flower window boxes:
1. Weigh Down the Window Box:
- Purpose: Prevents the window box from blowing away in the wind.
- Method: Fill an empty bag (like a plastic grocery bag or garden waste bag) with sand, gravel, or stones. Tie it securely. Place this weight at the bottom of the window box.
2. Add a Base Layer (Optional):
- Purpose: To further secure the arrangement and elevate the flowers.
- Material: Use floral foam, packing peanuts, or crumpled newspaper. Floral foam is ideal for arranging because you can stick the flower stems directly into it. If using peanuts or newspaper, fill the box about two-thirds full.
3. Arrange the Artificial Flowers:
- Planning: Before sticking anything into floral foam, lay out your flowers to get a sense of how you want them arranged. Consider height, color, and texture. Place taller flowers towards the back, shorter ones in the front, and trailing elements along the edges to create a natural cascading effect.
- Securing: Insert the stems of the artificial flowers into the floral foam or push them down amongst the packing peanuts/newspaper. If stems are too short, you can add wire extensions. For longer stems, you can cut them with wire cutters.
- Consider the Season: Choose flowers and foliage appropriate for the time of year.
4. Add Finishing Touches:
- Moss or Decorative Stones: Cover any visible floral foam or base material with a layer of preserved moss, decorative stones, or artificial soil. This adds a realistic and polished look.
- Adjust and Secure: Step back and evaluate your arrangement. Make any necessary adjustments to flower placement. Use floral wire or hot glue to secure any loose pieces for increased stability, especially in windy locations.
5. Weatherproofing:
- UV Protection: Artificial flowers, particularly those used outdoors, can fade over time due to sun exposure. Consider spraying them with a UV-protectant spray designed for artificial plants. Reapply every few months, or as directed on the spray can.
By following these steps, you can create a stunning and durable artificial flower window box that will enhance your home's curb appeal with minimal maintenance.
