Novice Gardener - I Want To Fill Large Troughs With Miniature Flowers

[peachybabe]

I have two large wrought iron basket type troughs, fixed to the wall below two downstairs windows. They are currently completely empty of both flowers and compost. They are about 3'6" long by 12", and are 12" deep.

I would like to fill them with flowers and/or bulbs which would give me a constant display from about April to September. If they were highly scented, that would be a bonus!

I would also like them to grow not much more than about 8" high, so that they don't get damaged when opening the window.

Not much to ask! But has anyone got any suggestions as to what to plant please?

[Prudie]

If you're really a novice I'd go with something free flowering, easy to grow and readily available at all garden centres. I'd look at Pansies or Million Bells. You could also add in some night scented stocks because they smell gorgeous.

[FrogNog]

Surfinia are nice

http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-plants/petunia-plants/petunia-trailing-surfinia-mixed/p95805TM

[peachybabe]

Thanks both. Will get some of those suggested.

Anyone else got more suggestions?

[Chipchopper]

Before filling the troughs with a tub n' basket, garden compost, its a good idea to put a layer of broken pots or even some busted up polystyrene plant trays in the bottom to assist drainage.
Make a note of how much sun or shade the area gets, then take yourself down to the garden centre and choose bedding plants that are recommended for that aspect.
Primulas can look good and not to tall and maybe some lobelia trailing over the edge will set it off.
You could try some dwarf tulips, plant in the autumn for a dazzling spring display.
Providing you don't let it dry out, it should look great!

[gness]

Whatever else you choose, Peachy....pop in some Bacopa....they will flower until the first frosts...x

[whiskeryron]

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/planting-a-window-box-container-garden.html

[hammerman]

If you want scent, try stocks, dark blue petunias and alyssum. You can then interplant with marigolds and geraniums with some trailing petunias, begonias and fuchsias over the edge

[MargoTester]

I agree with Gness, bacopa is lovely lots of tiny white flowers and dark green leaves. Plant at the very front and it trails over the sides.

[Tilly2]

Most garden centres will have mixed trays of container plants.