As you're searching through the myriads of gardening catalogues that have been arriving in the mail for the last month, do not forget about the plants you will need for filling containers and window boxes. There are so many different combinations to choose from, it's overwhelming! I can remember that not long ago containers were made up primarily of geraniums, cascading petunias and vinca vines. Times have really changed and now tropical plants are the "hot" craze. Why not experiment with some lush tropicals to fill your containers and window boxes this year?

Last year, for inspiration, we visited the Philadelphia Flower Show and there were many window box and container displays using tropical plants. Palms, bromeliads, spider plants, philodendrons, dracaena, begonias, mandevilla and coleus are just a few of the plants used. When all these leaf textures and colors are combined, the effects are aesthetically pleasing and really exciting!

Many of these plants have inconspicuous flowers. For example, Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight' flowers are not showy be any means, but its foliage is so brilliant that it shows off wonderfully anyway.

Look at how dramatic this window box is and how few flowers are present. The whole composition is just overflowing with different textures and contrasting leaf colors!
	This planter creates a somewhat formal feeling. Wouldn't this be charming outside a brownstone in the city? Something this green and lush will help to soften the surrounding landscape.
	Here is a classic, yet vibrant, design for window boxes. The old standard geraniums and some blue lobelia. Really very lovely and quite simple.
This antique urn sat outside my folks' front entrance. It was an early spring planter, done up with Antique Shades pansies and a white bleeding heart. In the summer, these were planted out in their woodland garden and other annuals were put in their place. Upcoming Flower Shows Philadelphia Flower Show March 6 - 13 http://www.theflowershow.com/home/index.html New England Flower Show March 12-20 http://www.masshort.org/ Go check it out and get inspired!