As we approach the winter months many of us are eager to hold on to the bright and cheerful colors gifted to us by spring, summer, and fall. If you’re looking to bring a little color into your life, fall is the perfect time. During the fall we are surrounded by the changing autumn leaves on the trees, fall-blooming perennials, and decorative pumpkins. This makes fall the best time to add a splash of color to your home and embrace the changing seasons.
What’s the best way to bring falls colors into your landscape?
With dropping temperatures it’s important to focus on planting cool-season annuals that will continue to thrive. Some of us don’t want to make the effort to line our flowerbeds with seasonal color twice a year, so a good option is to concentrate your efforts on planting in containers such as pottery and baskets. Using pottery and baskets you can create colorful arrangements with plants that will complement each other as they mature.
The most eye-catching arrangements have:
- a thriller – which gives it height
- a filler – that gives it body
- a spiller – that upgrades it to professional level.
What should you plant?
The right plants can add a touch of delight to any space. How do you decide the best ones to choose? Here are a few good options:
- Pansies and Violas – These beauties are full or personality and come in a versatile color pallet which allows you to brighten your arrangements creatively with the various shades and colors.
- Montego Snapdragons – If you’re looking for a medium height plant, the Montego snapdragon will provide that for you in style. You can find them in white, yellow, pink, red and purple throughout the season.
- Sonnet Snapdragons – With their up to 24” of height these visually stunning narrow stocks filled with flowers will add a unique addition to your garden. Red, Pink, Purple, yellow and white flowers that will delight any color scheme.
- Lobelia – If you’d like your potted arrangement to glow in the moonlight, this classic in the annual world comes in white and will shine for you. Lobelia is sensitive and doesn’t want a full day of sun, so it will need a shady afternoon break. If you’re looking to add a pop of color nothing beats its vibrant blue flowers.
- Ornamental Kale and Cabbage – If you’d like to add a rounded mass to your container you can plant these dramatic beauties around the perimeter. These hybridized members of the Brassica family open their leaves throughout the season to display elegant creamy white, red, or pink centers.
- Calendula – Fall boasts its gorgeous yellows and oranges. The Calendula is known for these cheerful colors. If you’re looking for a full rounded flower, choose the ‘Bon Bon’ variety that will mature to 12” tall.
- Dianthus – Dianthus matures to 10-14” tall and comes in white, red, purple, pink, and various variegated mixtures. If you’re looking for some color these will make your arrangements shine.
- Euphorbia – This perennial plant comes in such varieties as “Tiny Tim” with its bright yellow variegated leaves or “Black Bird” with its purple foliage. These plants add texture and color to your pieces and are known for their permanence.
Where to Plant
You can use large or small pots, barrels, vases, or baskets. Whichever container you choose you can adjust your emphasis from season to season and add a touch of whimsy and delight to any space.