Using landscape containers to add beauty to your home

Just because winter comes, doesn’t mean you have to empty your planters out. If they are constructed of a sturdy winter hardy material then why not leave them out and decorate. Use green boughs of pine, cedar, juniper, boxwood and cypress to create a textural dance of foliage. Add berries, cones, and beautiful colored twigs to add even more to the look.

Placing a low shallow container in your garden on a patio wall pillar makes a perfect focal point when sitting at the table, when walking down the steps, and when just gazing into the pond. The plant choices of bearberry, coralbells, and poppies anchor this planter and offer varied texture in foliage.

Summer container gardens should be big, bold, and beautiful. These planters in Needham, Mass are planted with high plants that reach (Persian Shield & Marguerites), mid plants that spread (Lantana), and low plants that will drip over the sides (ivy, euonymous, vinca). This along with varied foliage color and textures makes for a spectacular arrangement. The flowers...sure they are important too...so when the foliage sings the flowers are the high notes!

To add even more interest to those early container plantings use pussy willow branches to give some height and unique interest. For even more texture and foliage add herbs like chive, sage, and parsley to your arrangements.