A Quick Fall Update for Container Plantings
It is always nice to update your container plantings and give them a fall theme.
On the other hand, it is a shame rip out those annuals (or perennials) that still look good just to give your container planting a fall twist.
So for the last couple of years I have left any plant materials that still look okay in my containers and have inserted ornamental kale or cabbage.
I don't use the potted kale or cabbage though- digging them into the container distrurbs the existing plants I want to keep going. Instead I use the small cabbages that are usually intended for fall table arrangements.
You can find these small sized cabbages at your local florist, or if your lucky, in the floral department at your local grocery store (even cheaper). They usually come in groups of 3 or 4 cabbages and have long, thick woody stems (see photo top row centre). Note: Here in Canada we move into fall mode right after Labor Day. In some areas of the States, you may need to wait a few weeks before you can find these cabbages and kale in the stores.
Trim off the long woody stem to about 8 or 10"(see photo top row right). Push the trimmed cabbage right into your container. As long as you keep the soil moist (very important), the cabbage will last for several weeks or more.
When your annuals finally bite the biscuit, remove them but leave the cabbages. Add in decorative fall floral picks with berries or pumpkins.
On the other hand, it is a shame rip out those annuals (or perennials) that still look good just to give your container planting a fall twist.
So for the last couple of years I have left any plant materials that still look okay in my containers and have inserted ornamental kale or cabbage.
I don't use the potted kale or cabbage though- digging them into the container distrurbs the existing plants I want to keep going. Instead I use the small cabbages that are usually intended for fall table arrangements.
You can find these small sized cabbages at your local florist, or if your lucky, in the floral department at your local grocery store (even cheaper). They usually come in groups of 3 or 4 cabbages and have long, thick woody stems (see photo top row centre). Note: Here in Canada we move into fall mode right after Labor Day. In some areas of the States, you may need to wait a few weeks before you can find these cabbages and kale in the stores.
Trim off the long woody stem to about 8 or 10"(see photo top row right). Push the trimmed cabbage right into your container. As long as you keep the soil moist (very important), the cabbage will last for several weeks or more.
When your annuals finally bite the biscuit, remove them but leave the cabbages. Add in decorative fall floral picks with berries or pumpkins.
Detail: Ornamental cabbage or kale
Look for cabbages or kale that are usually used to make fall table arrangements at your local florist or in your favourite grocery store. They usually come in groups of 3 or 4 and have long woody stems.
Trim the woody stem to be about 8 or 10" inches. Insert the cabbage right into your container planting. Remember to keep the soil moist!
When your annuals die in frost, add decorative floral picks with pumpkins or berries to fill in the gaps between the cabbages. You can find these floral picks at your local craft store.
Here my garden urn in late fall. I have inserted several cabbages and have added a few floral picks.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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3 of 14 comments
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That is very eye-catching and relaxing to look at. Great job!
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Great tips !
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