Style an eerie autumn window box

Inspired by these black artificial branches, I ended up creating this eerie yet elegant autumn window box. The effect of the branches rising through the other plant material enhances the sense of eeriness. Repetition was key to the design as well, and achieved by choosing only a few different types of plants with dramatic foliage in a limited colour palette. The ability of these specimens to withstand some degree of fall frost also figured prominently in the selection process.

Add your own personal touch by selecting from the vast range of miniature pumpkins, assorted gourds and small garden ornaments currently available. These can also be varied to reflect seasonal festivities. For example, carefully carve the pumpkins and insert battery-operated tea lights for a spooky display at Halloween.

Plant list
1. Lil’ Tiger Stripe miniature pumpkin
2. ‘Osaka White’ small flowering cabbage (Brassica oleracea [Acephala Group] ‘Osaka White’ [Osaka Series])
3. ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ spurge (Euphor­bia characias ‘Tasmanian Tiger’)
4. Branches: Any naturally dried branches from the garden with interesting shapes would be suitable. These can be spray-painted to contrast with and/or accent the surroundings
5. Black Scallop bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Binblasca’)