Fall Containers
Container gardens aren’t just for summer. Fall is a great time to update a container garden or start a new one using plants that prefer the cooler temperatures. Read on for some examples.
A Wee Bit o’ Contrast
A Wee Bit o’ Contrast. Imagine this arrangement without the burgundy-leaf kale. All of a sudden the POW is gone. The contrasting color and shape of the kale really delivers a needed focal point.
In Tip-Top Shape
In Tip-Top Shape. The variegated sedge injects some light into this grouping, but it’s the plant’s cascading shape that really makes this design. It softens the edges of the container while adding a counterpoint to the rounded shapes of the ‘Purple Dome’ asters and flowering kale.
On Stage
On Stage. Small containers can be overwhelmed by the amazing colors of the season. Two ways to prevent that: raise the container up and create a stage. Notice how the vine-covered fence opening makes the perfect perch for a windowbox full of mums, kale, and dusty Miller.
Moveable Masterpiece
Moveable Masterpiece. If you’ve got a covered porch, deck or patio, you might consider creating a moveable arrangement. This classic garden cart has everything from bittersweet vines (Celastrus) and blackberry lily seeds to miniature pumpkins, gooseneck gourds, and Indian corn. Wheat and feathertop grass add ornamental seedheads, while dried marigolds and statice are used as colorful fillers. Curly willow adds an architectural element.
More than Mums
More than Mums. Potted mums are a traditional way to decorate for fall. Make them look a bit more at home by pairing with ornamental grasses. The height and habit of the grasses help balance the rounded shape of the mums, while the medium green color is a calming note alongside the bold flowers. The result is more natural-looking.
Dusty Perfection
Dusty Perfection. Sometimes, an understated approach is best. From the faded cedar windowbox to the blue fescue and sedum to the dusty hues of the kale, asters and Calibrachoa, this planter whispers the words “understated elegance” just loud enough to be heard.
Pale Imitation
Pale Imitation. Not sure where to start with a fall container design? Take a cue from the container by echoing or contrasting with its color. Or do both. The Nemesia ‘Sunsatia Mango’ and Osteospermum echo the pale hue of the pot while Heuchera ‘Amethyst Mist’ and Euphorbia ‘Efanthia’ bring contrast.
Keep it Simple
Keep it Simple. Too many species in a container can look contrived and busy. When in doubt, go with simple. This elegant look has just three species: purple fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum), violas and coralbells (Heuchera).
On Background
On Background. These vibrant asters would catch the eye almost anywhere. But they’re particularly captivating against the pleasing gray-green hues of Helichrysum ‘Icicle’. An added benefit: the Helichrysum and ornamental cabbage will hold the design together after the asters fade.
Star Power
Star Power. There’s no doubt who’s the star of the show here. Dark foliage, upright habit, and intriguing seedheads make this ornamental millet stand out. Complementary hues of gold mums and tan carex add rich color.
Foliage Rules
Foliage Rules. Crinkled petals and chartreuse-on-burgundy hues make a striking pot. Note how the veins of the ornamental cabbage bring out the burgundy of the flowering kale behind it; this connects the plants visually.
Old-Fashioned Charm
Old-Fashioned Charm. Where’s the windowbox? Who cares when you have a display like this. From ornamental cabbage and dried hydrangea to loops of bittersweet fruit and bunches of rose hips, this display oozes charm. And best of all, it will still look good after frost!
Pumpkin Surprise
Pumpkin Surprise. Two mainstays of autumn come together in a whimsical design sure to raise a smile. Cored pumpkins make a fetching, if fleeting, receptacle for these colorful mums. Place the mums, plastic pot and all, inside the pumpkins. And be sure to poke a drainage hole in the pumpkin.
With or Without Plants
With or Without Plants. Although we stuck a small potted mum into the design just for the heck of it, this windowbox would do just fine without it. The birdhouse and pot of birdseed beckon to winged visitors nearly as much as the crabapples and bittersweet fruit call to our visual senses.
So Happy Together
So Happy Together. Tie containers together by coordinating pots and plants. The pots match, while the plants stick to a color palette of mainly yellows and whites. Variegated sweet flag (Acorus gramineus) is joined by Calibrachoa, Diascia, Nemesia, coralbells (Heuchera), and petunia.
Room for Growth
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Room for Growth. A repurposed wash bin, painted and stenciled, offers plenty of growing space for plants. This grouping includes purple fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum), ornamental cabbage, coralbells (Heuchera), and creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia).