Winter Containers

The annuals have been discarded, the perennials are cut back and the shrubs have been pruned. Now that the growing season has come to an end, our gardens can start to look pretty bare this time of year. One way to provide some color for the upcoming winter months is by using evergreen boughs in the empty planters.

Most places that sell Christmas trees will also have bundles of greens available for purchase. The most common type is the balsam fir, but you can sometimes purchase other varieties as well. Different types include white pine, cedar and other firs such as Douglas or Noble. Using a mix of greens will give different textures to your planter.

What you fill with the greens is up to you. Empty pots work well. For a formal look, use a classic footed urn. At our house, we have a raised brick flower bed that we use. Window boxes can also be used. The containers should be filled with potting mix. If all of the soil was removed, the bottom half of the container can be filled with packing peanuts to help save on soil and reduce the weight. Leave about a 1 ½” space at the top of the container.

Once you have decided on the container, decide about how long the greens should be cut. There is no set rule, just decide what looks pleasing to you. Generally you will want to have some of the boughs draping over the edge of the pot. Fill in the area with the greens, varying the height a bit. After the container is filled in, you can add some decorative touches to it. Include a large bow, add some red dogwood and/or white birch branches, dried flowers or seed heads, large pinecones, holly or bittersweet. You can even add a strand of lights. Use your imagination!