On Monday, March 23, 2020, Barbara Duriau started a Facebook group. Our world was quickly becoming very narrow because of the pandemic related lockdowns. Barbara took a picture of the view from her apartment in Amsterdam, Netherlands and posted it on the âView from my windowâ Facebook group. Within 23 days, over 1 million people were posting pictures that were taken from their own windows. By day 34, 2 million people were able to virtually travel to France, Italy, Australia, Spain, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Monaco, and Vatican City because they were part of the Facebook Group âView from my window.â As is frequently the case, I was a bit late to the party. I didnât learn about the group until the start of the Russia invasion into Ukraine. People from towns and cities across the country of Ukraine were sharing a bit of their life story and letting us see what they saw from their windows. The pictures that were posted each day were simply breathtaking and life-affirming.
While enjoying the views that others have from their windows, it makes me appreciate the prominent role that nature plays in our lives. It provides sustenance, shelter and pleasure. The importance of nature in our lives cannot be underestimated and certainly not overlooked. What then, do we see when we look out our windows? While sitting in my office, I see a flowering honeysuckle vine on which a hummingbird will occasionally enjoy the nectar and a line of arborvitae that block the road behind them. Thanks to the previous owner of our home, there is a perfectly placed magnolia tree outside the window over our kitchen sink. While doing dishes, I will often remember when Mary, my daughter posed for prom pictures near this beautiful flowering tree. My husband and son recently sanded and painted our deck. While looking out my dining room window, I see the fruits of their labor and a few potted houseplants.
It is estimated that homes usually have between 10 and 15 windows. While it is not reasonable that the view from each window be âpicture perfect,â it is possible to have a few scenic vistas to enjoy while in the comfort of our homes. When creating a scenic view, it is important to ask yourself a few questions.
When do I generally look out this window? This could refer to a time of day and/or day of the week. If you are usually enjoying your morning cup of coffee in the sunroom during the warmer months, then you may want to skew the plant choices towards those plants that flower in the summer. Keep in mind the direction that your house faces and the light conditions in that area.
Would I like to draw the attention away from something within view of the window? Many of us have buried utility lines which result in utility pedestals or boxes within our yards or our neighborâs yards. The utility boxes can often be hidden but that can draw attention to the boxes. Sometimes it is better to draw the eye away from what you are trying to screen through the installation of shrubs or flowers elsewhere in the yard.
Am I trying to block something that is visible outside my window? Although it may be impossible to block everything, a few well planted shrubs can give both you and your neighborâs a bit of privacy.
What colors would I like to see outside my window? Flowers come in all shades, even black, so there should be something available to compliment your style and preferences.
In addition to plants, what else would I like to see from my window? Do I want to add lighting, a well-placed sculpture, containers of flowers, or fountain?
The View from my window Facebook group has resulted in the creation of a website and the publication of two books. More information is available through the website viewfrommywindow.world. The âView from My Window Volume 2â book is available for 32 euros through the website.
Do you have a view out your window that you enjoy? We would love to see it! Please consider emailing me a picture of a view from your window. It may be featured in an upcoming edition of the newspaper.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
