Window boxes have a certain reputation. They’re quaint, they’re cottage-core, they’re fussy. And while there are reasons for these preconceptions, there’s a lot more to the window box than all that.

Why are some window boxes so beautiful while others are so blah? It's all about design, according to Sonia Uyterhoeven, the gardener for public education at The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.

If you're looking to add charm to the facade of your home, window boxes will fast track you there. Window boxes can also be a great solution if you lack traditional gardening space or if you just want ...