Fishtown Window Boxes: Modern Philadelphia
Planting with Industrial Roots
Fishtown has always worn its history proudly.
Long before new construction and rooftop decks reshaped the skyline, this neighborhood was defined by work—by the river, by the docks, by generations of craftspeople and laborers who built lives close to the water. Even today, traces of that identity remain everywhere you look. Hand-painted fish signs, known as “Shadders”, dot the streets. Industrial textures and honest materials still feel at home here.
At Enliven Planters, we’ve had the privilege of watching Fishtown evolve—and planting right alongside it.
Today, our Philadelphia window boxes are nearly as recognizable as the neighborhood’s iconic fish imagery.
A Neighborhood in Transition
Over the past several years, Fishtown has seen significant redevelopment. New construction projects rise beside century-old homes, creating a streetscape where history and modern design coexist. Many of these newer buildings feature expansive brick façades, large modern windows, and clean-lined metal railings.
From a planting perspective, these buildings present both a challenge and an opportunity.
Large stretches of brick and glass can feel stark without softness. That’s where thoughtfully designed window boxes make all the difference.
Modern Window Boxes for Modern Fishtown
Our typical Fishtown client gravitates toward long, modern window boxes—often five to six feet in length—finished in black to tie in the other dark metal tones. These boxes
complement the clean geometry of contemporary architecture while providing a strong visual anchor beneath oversized windows.
Once planted, these Philadelphia window boxes transform the building. Lush foliage and seasonal color break up hard lines, adding depth, movement, and life to otherwise minimalist façades. The contrast between structured architecture and organic planting feels especially right in Fishtown—a neighborhood that has always balanced grit with creativity.
Spring and summer plantings here tend to be bold and vibrant, designed to hold their own against strong architectural elements while still feeling intentional and refined.
Rooftop Gardens Above the City
Fishtown’s density and new construction boom have made roof decks incredibly popular, and we now serve dozens of homeowners and businesses throughout the neighborhood, creating rooftop gardens and planters.
These rooftop spaces often become outdoor living rooms—places to gather, unwind, and reconnect with nature above the city streets. We design rooftop planters that can handle sun, wind, and exposure while still feeling lush and welcoming. From modern planters to custom groupings, these rooftop oases are a defining part of contemporary Fishtown living.
Commercial Planting with Industrial Character
The businesses we work with in Fishtown often want their planting to reflect the neighborhood’s working-class and industrial roots. Rather than polished or overly formal containers, many gravitate toward vessels with history and texture.
We frequently plant in old whiskey barrels, rusted industrial mixing bowls, repurposed wooden crates, and Cor-ten steel containers. These materials feel authentic here— weathered, honest, and full of character. When paired with thoughtful seasonal plantings, they create a streetscape presence that feels both intentional and deeply rooted in place.
For our commercial clients, planting isn’t just decoration—it’s storytelling.
Philadelphia Window Boxes That Belong
What makes Fishtown special is that it never lost its identity, even as it changed. Our approach to Philadelphia window boxes and planters here reflects that same philosophy.
Whether it’s a long modern window box on a new brick façade, a rooftop garden overlooking the skyline, or industrial vessels outside a neighborhood business, every installation is designed to feel like it belongs—to the building, to the street, and to the history of Fishtown itself.
This is planting that respects where the neighborhood came from while embracing where it’s going.