This time of year, there are two options: cycling plant material out on an as needed basis, or pulling it all out and starting over. Either way, you’ll want to be thinking about sustaining color throughout the grayness of winter. This is the perfect time of year to incorporate decorative objects into your container. For Thanksgiving, think cornucopia: pumpkins, gourds, corn husks, etc., and for Christmas mode, implement grapevine balls, lights, statuary, reflective ornaments, weather-resistant bows and ribbons, and the like.

First, take a look around your yard, deck, etc., and think about which containers you are going to want to use, and those that need to be put away for the winter. Containers made from terracotta, ceramic, or thin metal (such as aluminum or tin) should be emptied of soil, cleaned, and stored in a protected place such as a garage or shed. If an enclosed area is unavailable, turn your containers upside down so that water does not collect and freeze, which would damage your container. Planters made from concrete, wood, weather-resistant foam or high-fired, frost-resistant ceramics and terracottas, can remain outside without much problem.

Now take a look at the plants and design. You’ll want to think in terms of cold-weather plants such as pansies, evergreens, liriope, ivy, and vinca vine. Consider accenting winter plantings by incorporating fresh greens, twigs, and berries. Twigs such as Curly Willow, Red and Yellow Twig Dogwood, Scotch Broom, and birch are fantastic for color and texture and height. You’ll also want to make use of berries and pods such as rose hips, winterberry, and holly as well as poppy pods, lotus, pinecones, or anything else you think has winter interest. If you really want to be creative, you can spray-paint your pods, pinecones, or other  decorative objects gold or silver to add decorative flair to your container.

For empty containers, or a complete changeout, fill the pot with cut greens, which offer a sharp contrast against both the last remaining fall leaves and the encroaching grayness of early winter. Stay away from spruce and hemlock, which shed and dry out too quickly, and use greens such as fir, yew, pine, juniper, cedar, and holly. Some of these items may be readily available in your own yard. If not, we'll be stocking these items through the end of the year. Broadleaf options include euonymus, nandina, photinia, aucuba, skimmia, as well as grass plumes, which make wonderful accents. Strip the foliage an inch or two from the bottom so it will be easier to stick them in the soil. Remember that as you remove plants from containers, to add a little soil to keep the level consistent. (Sand will also work as a base to hold your greens in place). Work from the center by placing your tallest plants or features first, then work your way out, down to the shortest. Once this is done, you can add your accent features with picks or wire.

Don’t forget to fertilize each time that you change out your containers, as most container gardens tend to be heavy feeders. (Not necessary for containers consisting soley of cut greens). Bear in mind that as the weather starts to turn cold, people tend to stop watering. Cold air is very dry and absorbs water very quickly, more so than the hot sun of summer, so don’t be fooled into thinking that you are done watering for the season. The Wilt-Pruf spray that you use for fresh-cut Chrismas trees will help to keep your cut greens container fresher longer too! After the holidays are over, you may want to refresh your twigs and greens from time to time until you’re ready for spring planting.