Winter Containers 2014

Phew, in the midst of all that is Christmas retail, my computer crashed......dead.......kaput

So most of you have no doubt decorated your outdoors already, if not I hope you find some inspiration from our clients exteriors, or, your home is like mine....yet to start

My absolute favorite is creating winter containers. When I leave they are at their peak, no waiting for growth, no watering & fertilizing, viola!
I do recommend however a mild misting of water throughout the season as bright sun and wind can turn them brownish. Before we depart, everything is heavily sprayed with an Anti-Dessicant, a product that holds in the moisture and maintains freshness

The addition of faux fruit lends a colonial/ Williamsburg design

Your choice of elements should include something that relates to it's environment, in this case the painted birch enhances the nearby arbor

A dark and dreary day did not make for excellent photo opportunities. In actuality, this center drive planter with base is 4' tall with a diameter of 3'

The blue toned pods in the upper right of this image is seeded bell eucalyptus. Remember to use these outdoors only. Recently I went to a friends home whom rushed me in immediately, "Do you smell animal waste on here?!" Yes, cat urine in particular I replied.......take the seeded bell euc outdoors.....immediately......

Another detail to consider is utilizing MANY different types of greens; short or long needle, varying colored greens, drapey, upright, leaved (boxwood or oregonia)

A close up of my favorite discovery for this season; real alder cones with a chalky blue tone adhered to faux stems.......gorgeous!!

Need height only? My favorites are the spruce topper as shown above or red twig dogwood below, encased in double wreaths of boxwood. EASY and both will last all winter long

Clipping nearby ornamental grasses to insert connects the planter to the landscape

Not everything should be red and Christmasy, a subtle/winter look can be attractive. Here too I incorporated ornamental grasses nearby, the dangly alder cones and feathers

Don't forget your wall baskets and window boxes!

All berry stems shown; red and chartreuse, are faux. These good quality, hard plastic faux's look real, particularly when nestled within the greens. PLUS, they will never turn black and can be reused year after year

The addition of sparkle with glittered grapevine balls on sticks. On a sunny day, or near outdoor lighting in the evening, they sparkle magnificently. When they begin to fade, break or cut the sticks, if frozen in

Variegated oregonia, seeded eucalyptus, silver fir, spruce and faux chartreuse berries

This arrangement includes outdoor ball ornaments on sticks 

Absolutely LOVE to add concrete statuary creating a strong focal point. This time of year cherubs are ideal

Why stop with just the containers? In this instance we inserted a multitude of yellow twig dogwood for an all winter exclamation point of interest, red twig or white painted are additional options

Garlands and wreaths......

These wonderful concrete balustrades we added to enhance a walkway on both sides, called for a welcoming touch

Mailbox? Prime for decorating. A flat out no to the stiff "velvet" bows sold everywhere! We use real velvet, it will last as long as you need it through the season

This stunning ribbon has a green silk underside. The tails are knotted, unevenly as they lay better 

Lamp posts? 

How about indoors? Not as long lasting as all faux, but the smells, the colors and natural elements increases your opportunities to decorate.

                

The rush is on......enjoy!

Debra