Fall is around the corner!
For me, that means changing out my planters on the front porch. Though to be honest – with all the rain we had this spring and summer …I never did my pots. So I will finally be doing my pots this year! Pretty pathetic.
I thought I would share with you all some tips and ideas for your fall planting.
When I start planning my containers – I usually have no clue what I want to do! I totally go by what I can find at the garden centers I visit, I’m less disappointed this way. If I go with a preconceived idea – it becomes a frustrating venture. But, that’s not to say I might have a “look” I’m going for.
What is the look you are going for or trying to achieve?
- Dainty
- Bold
- Hot
- Calming
- Whimsical
- Zen
What type of containers do you have?
- Glazed ceramics
- Galvanized tins
- Baskets – wicker/wire
- Old watering cans
- Old wheelbarrows
- Hanging baskets
- Plastic
- Terracotta
- Metal Urns
- Window boxes
- Troughs
Your type of container will sometimes determine the look. Keep in mind that anything can be a container – as long as it has drainage holes. If it doesn’t – pull out the drill and put some in!
Avoid using plant saucers that collect water and may be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Instead use pot feet that come in fun shapes and sizes, or use a plant stand.
Once you have your containers lined up, think about how you are going to use them.
- Single plant/Multiple plants
- Ground/Hanging
- Small/large
- One/multiple containers
- Decorative/Functional
How are you placing your plants in the container? What is the composition?
- Individual: using a single, large plant as a focal point
- Multiples of the same plant
- Mixed plants – a combination of tall/spiky plants with full/round plants finishing off with trailing plants
When mixing, use plants that grow well together and have the same cultural requirements. – fill a container with sun-loving plants, or shade-loving plants, but for the best success – do n’t mix the two.
If the container is going against a wall or back-drop, place the tall/spiky plant in the back. If the container is going to be viewed from all sides, place it in the center.
If you don’t want to replace everything each season, a good idea is to have a mainstay in the container. An evergreen or an ornamental grass will work beautifully all year round. Place your choice in the back or center of your container and add other plants around it. Or you can have some containers with year-round plants and others with seasonal plants.
What type of plants can you use? Anything goes!
- Annuals/Biennials
- Perennials/Herbs
- Bulbs
- Dwarf Conifers
- Shrubs
- Trees
- Vines
- Autumn berries
- Ornamental grasses
- Plants with interesting foliage
- Succulents
- Topiaries
- Veggies
Keep in mind you local cultural restrictions. And think ahead to winter, what can you use that will have interest throughout the winter months?
And now? You can go shopping! Yay! Have fun as you pick out plants that make you happy.
