I've thrown caution to the wind.

OK, only as far as my window boxes.

My modus operandi is to shop with a list of specific plants and color schemes firmly in mind. I know exactly what plants are going into which pots, how many plants and what colors I want to mix. It keeps me from making impulse purchases and ending up with a collection of plants that don't play nicely together.

I changed my MO this season. I used the list but let the plants themselves suggest color combinations.

Soft coral geraniums surrounded by a cloud of petunias, including blue Waves, which actually are deep purple and sweetly fragrant, fill a trio of window boxes. Lavender and delicate shell-pink petunias are tucked in, too, all accented with lime-green sweet potato vines. In another, fuschia petunias are crowded into containers for a more-is-more effect.

Two shades of fuschia New Guinea impatiens, white impatiens and asparagus fern fill a shade-loving window box.

Nothing revolutionary, but the combinations are sweet.

Lushly planted window boxes rescue a boring view or accent a window or porch railing. You can grow everything from flowers and herbs to perennials and a small salad garden.

Permanent or temporary, window boxes should be moisture-resistant. Redwood, cedar, pine (if painted), plastic, PVC are fine. I gave my old plastic boxes a new lease on life by spraying them in plastic-bonding glossy black paint.

You'll also find tin, iron, copper, terra-cotta, wire and stone window boxes. Metal is best for shady settings - metal gets hot in the sun and can cook plant roots.

Submerge terra-cotta in water for a half-hour before planting to keep clay from absorbing water intended for plants, experts suggest.

Make sure boxes have drainage holes.

Boxes should be proportional to window size, extending the entire width. Rule of thumb is 20 percent of the height of a tall window and 25 percent for a shorter window. For example, a 6-foot-tall window should have 14 inch-tall boxes and a 3-foot-tall window should have 9-inch high boxes.

Soil and plants are heavy loads so make sure boxes are securely anchored. Mount boxes so the top edge sits just below the windowsill. You'll want easy access for watering (and replanting for fall color).

Use a soilless mix to reduce weight. Keep peat-based soil moist; it repels water if it dries out. If it happens, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to a quart of water, then water slowly. This will break through peat to allow absorption, and it has a lingering effect, according to Organic Gardening.

Group plants to match water, sun and food requirements. Boxes will require watering once or twice daily. Feed regularly to keep plants thriving.