What is a Garden Window, and What Can You Grow with It?

Some replacement windows are perfect for their simplicity – they let in natural light, and they might keep your utility costs down, but that’s it. Garden windows, on the other hand, offer extra value, like decorative space or enough sill real estate to set up an indoor garden within easy reach of your cooking tools.

Already have a garden window and just need a few garden window ideas for inspiration? Or are you wondering whether a garden window is the best option for your next Asheville home renovation? Keep reading – we’ll help you with both questions!

So, what is a garden window?

Garden windows are charming, flexible windows that protrude outward from your home’s wall. Like bay or bow windows, garden windows have plentiful sill space that lets them function similarly to shelves. But their most important aspect is their shape, seen in Alside’s Vinyl Garden Windows.

With four sides of glass – the front, both sides, and the top – they form miniature greenhouses or window boxes that are fantastic environments for all kinds of plants. Since natural light flows onto the sill space from several directions, the area within a garden window tends to be warm and cozy – ideal for several culinary herbs.

Where can you place garden windows?

Wherever you like! Many Asheville homeowners love garden windows for their versatility and additional sill space. However, the most common spots to install garden windows include:

• The kitchen, especially above or behind the sink
• The sunroom
• The bathroom

Generally, the best spots for garden windows are places where you can show off your decorations or where you can see and access the plants you choose to put inside them. Take a look around your home and use your imagination as you think about where a garden window might look best. High-quality garden windows, such as Simonton’s Garden Windows, come in plenty of sizes, so there’s sure to be something that fits your room of choice.

Garden window ideas

Whether you’re thinking about installing new garden windows or already have a garden window ready and waiting, you need something to put on its sill. Here are a few of our favorite garden window ideas you can feel free to steal!

Decorate with succulents

Succulents are cute and hardy plants that are good fits for even mediocre indoor green thumbs. That's because they love the sun, don't need a lot of water, and come in plenty of shapes and sizes. Popular species include aloe vera, sedum, cacti, and hawthorn.

You can artfully arrange a series of small succulents on your garden windowsill for easy décor. Just remember to spritz them with water once a week or so, and they’ll grow happily in the sunshine flowing through the garden window.

Plant a window herb garden

But maybe you’re more interested in growing plants you can use in your tastiest recipes. In that case, think about planting an herb garden right in your aptly named garden window.

Herb gardens are small, easy-to-maintain gardens – usually in a box or scattered across a few separate pots – that grow well indoors. Even better, herb gardens produce delicious herbs you can harvest when you need fresh ingredients for dinner. They’re also stellar fits for garden windows because many herbs need plenty of sunshine, which this window type can provide while also shielding them from cool temperatures and harsh elements.

What herbs can you grow in a garden window?

Since your garden window prevents the worst of Asheville's fall or winter weather from affecting your herb garden, you can probably plant whatever herbs your heart desires. In our opinion, you can't go wrong with classic herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and oregano. Don’t forget herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary, too!

Show off colorful flowers

Some homeowners love to garden for beauty instead of culinary practicality. Fortunately, garden windows make great places to display gorgeous flowers. If your garden window gets enough sunlight throughout the day, you could plant bright blooms ranging from violets and hyacinths to orchids and peace lilies.

A few flowers scattered over your garden window’s sill might be just what you need to brighten up your kitchen or bathroom and bring a bit of joy into your home. After all, studies show that indoor plants can boost your health!

Find the best garden windows today

Garden windows could be the perfect picks for your kitchen or sunroom, but you’ll only get the dream indoor garden or decorative space with the right window. For that, you can count on the experts at Window World of Asheville.

Not only do we have garden windows you can check out in person at our showroom, but our contractors can also answer questions about budget, installation, and energy efficiency. Whatever your home needs, we're sure we have an excellent garden window (or more) that will fit your property. Request a quote online today, or stop by for a visit!