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Many herbs themselves have beautiful flowers, but letting them flower is called letting them 'set seed', which is when they stop putting their energies into growth - i.e. making tasty leaves - and throw all their efforts into flowers instead. To keep herbs fat and productive, you need to regularly pick the leaves off for cooking and pick back flower buds when the plant tries to 'set seed'.

For flowers to plant alongside herbs I would try be tempted to go for pretty lavenders so that you can enjoy their fragrance when you're at your window. Perhaps try some of the stoecha varieties (lavendula 'Fathead' )? These don't do so well in exposed, frosty conditions but will be protected by the warmth of your building. You can get them in beautiful pink and purple variations.

Most of the herbs we enjoy in our cooking - thyme, rosemary, sage etc - are native to hot Mediterranean climates and grow in poor, stony soil, as do lavenders, so the combination is ideal. Make sure the soil you use for your window box is mixed with plenty of drainage material. Vermiculite is a very light material that will improve drainage and, at the same time, make sure your window box isn't too heavy. And, yes, water regularly, but don't let the plants sit in water - their roots will rot!

I hope that helps.

Trailing tomatoes will look good and taste good too! Seeds can be started off in cardboard egg boxes as they rot down. Happy growing! This year I am going to plant less but look after them better!