Winter is a magical time of year. Breathing in the crisp, cool air or snuggling up to the glowing warmth of your fireplace are moments we cherish every year. Winter is full of mystery, excitement for snow days, and time with family and friends. Warm your heart and home with a colorful container garden that is made to last throughout the season.
How to Make a Container Garden for the Winter Season
STEP 1: SUPPLIES
You will need the following items to complete your creation:
- Cool season color like Matrix® Pansies, Cyclamen, and Ivy
- Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil
- Pottery from Calloway’s or Cornelius
- Calloway’s Natural Garden Food or Calloway’s Premium Flower Food
- Metal Art
STEP 2: ADD SOIL
Fill the container with Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil. Select a container with proper drainage for moisture control to keep your plant’s roots healthy. After you add your plants and water thoroughly, add more soil if needed.
STEP 3: PLANTS FOR WINTER
When selecting plants, remember to keep these details in mind:
- Where will my container creation be displayed?
- What are the sunlight requirements?
- What are the watering requirements?
When planting for the winter season, it is always best to select plants with similar sun and water requirements in order to be successful!
For a winter container garden, choose plants that thrive in cooler weather with vibrant blooms or lush foliage. When planting, use the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” method for a bright and dynamic display. This will help you create an interesting layout for your winter plants.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a great choice for cool season color and is the perfect “Thriller” plant for your container garden. They will dazzle in your container gardens, indoors and out! Their long stems and heart-shaped leaves are adorned by soft, yet striking blooms bursting in shades of pinks, reds, whites, and more!
Cyclamen is extremely versatile outdoors as they do well in both sunny and shady locations. For more care tips on cyclamen, check out our blog, “Cyclamen plants: How to care for your Cyclamen”.
Matrix® Pansies
For one of your “Filler” plant selections, use Matrix® Pansies. Matrix® Pansies are cool weather blooms that fill containers with a burst of color or soft texture. Available in many styles like clear or blotch.
These beauties will create a dramatic display to compliment your design. Matrix® Pansies enjoy full sun to partial shade.
Hedera Ivy
For a perfect “Spiller” plant, try Needlepoint Hedera Ivy. The glossy lobed leaves remain dark green throughout the winter.
Ivy enjoys partial sunlight to full shade, making it a very versatile plant. Plus, it is very adaptable to the surrounding dry or moist conditions.
STEP 4: ADD DECORATIONS
Metal art at Calloway’s and Cornelius is an easy way to add that little something extra to your plants and your container garden. It’s the finishing touch to complete the look. Check out our collection from Roundtop and find the seasonal piece that fits your container garden design and your style.
STEP 5: CARE TIPS
Give your plants the proper nourishment for long-lasting and healthy blooms. Pick up our Calloway’s Natural Garden Food to feed your lawn and garden the organic way. Or, try our improved and specialized formula in our new Premium Flower Food. Our 12-4-8 formula contains nitrogen, Fx Iron®, phosphate, and other key ingredients to help your flowers bloom with big, bold color! Fx Iron® is an environmentally friendly source of iron. It helps keep your flowers blooming without staining concrete surfaces.
When feeding your plants, always read the instructions on the packaging for feeding times and amounts. In the winter season, plants still need to be watered. To help your plants endure the winter chill and any upcoming freezes, make sure to water prior to a freeze so the roots can have time to properly absorb the moisture.
Stop by our store nearest you for all your planting needs to create your Container Garden for the fall! Questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals available at all of our store locations!
