As we go from summer to fall here on the East Coast, some plants in our outdoor containers look wilted or twiggy. I have a few ideas to help you give them a fresh look as we head into fall. The first thing you need to do is remove all the dead or dying plants and assess what is salvageable.
5 Tips to Add New Life to Outdoor Containers:
1. Add ornamental grass for height and color.
If your vines still look good and all your annuals are gone, replace them with lovely ornamental grass. One of my favorites is the Purple Fountain Grass because of its beautiful color, texture, and height.
2. Fill empty spots with branches or twigs.
If your container needs instant height, take some cuttings from your trees and strategically place them in the center of the container to add interest. If you want a particular color, use spray paint. I recommend keeping the colors based on the season’s colors. If you do not have trees to cut from, go to your local craft store and go through the dried or silk floral area and find the shape, height, and color you want to use to fill empty spots.
3. Add late-blooming plants.
Go to your local garden center to find the best options. Cone Flowers, Black-eyed Susan, Zinnia, and Pansies continue to bloom in our area into the fall. Though it may seem too early for Chrysanthemums, you will see them in your garden centers incorporate them into existing pots to add color and interest! You can add cooler-weather succulents; again, check your local garden center for options.
4. Fill in bare areas with accessories.
Does it sound crazy to add accessories to your containers or gardens? Why not! Think about adding a gazing ball that will reflect the colors from existing plants and fill up space. Or, add a solar-powered lantern for interest during the day or night. If you already have a lantern you want to use, add an outdoor battery-powered candle (that has a timer). Do you have a favorite yard statue or a garden gnome? Consider moving it to the bare area of your pot for a whimsical look.
5. Reshuffle your pots and arrange them for interest.
Move your pots around to create a color interest. Consolidate containers to maximize interest in one pot. If all the flowers in small pots have died, consider placing them in the center of a larger container, based on color, and insert tree cuttings or twigs to achieve the desired height.
I hope these five tips help you enjoy your outdoor time as long as possible this summer season! If you need home decorating or home staging assistance, call me at 610-955-8202 or email me. I would love to help!
By Debbie Correale, founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram. Feature photo licensed from Molly Shannon — Shutterstock.