When they moved in 10 years ago, Chantal Aida Gordon and Ryan Benoit didn’t realize their 750-foot rental near Windansea would inspire them to turn over a new leaf. In an attached 1,800-square-foot space, they found an affinity for gardening and outdoor living and proceeded to chronicle their journey into a blog, The Horticult. Now they’ve put their self-taught tips and tricks down on paper. Released earlier this year, How to Window Box: Small-Space Plants to Grow Indoors or Out is a resourceful guide to container gardening, featuring 16 miniature garden recipes.
“It’s a fresh spin on a classic container,” Aida Gordon says. “Each window box can be your own small garden.” Their Detox Box, for example, is adorned with air-purifying plants, and their Herb Box is brimming with edible garnishes. The book has pointers for beginner to intermediate gardeners, like the importance of soil mixing and lighting—”your darkest corner outside is always brighter than your brightest corner inside,” Benoit says. But even advanced gardeners can take away some new ideas, too.
“Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your plants or window boxes,” says Aida Gordon, nodding at the astronaut figurine in her Desert Box. “After all, you’re growing your own decor.”
Your Guide to Small-Space Gardening
Chantal Aida Gordon and Ryan Benoit
