Spring Container Design

Pastel colors pop in the understory of this four-season woodland container design

An elegant, simple rectangular container made of resin elevates this design. The soft green foliage of a weeping larch balances the width of the container by cascading over an evergreen ‘Silver Run’ leucothoe, which is changing slowly from its winter burgundy hue back to its light-green-and-white summer variegation. Peeping through the leaves of the leucothoe are the downward-facing delicate flowers of ‘Little Lanterns’ columbine and the bell-like blooms of ‘Rote Glocke’ pasque flower. And it wouldn’t be spring without the pastel shades offered by a yellow-flowered late tulip, chartreuse ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass, and pale lavender ‘Betty’ moss phlox. Its purple flowers are echoed by the multitoned ‘Mountain Lady’ grape hyacinth.

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Summer

Warmer weather calls for some hot hues

A color scheme of green, red, white, and a touch of yellow creates a summer splash. The bright flowers of ‘Snow Fairy’ balloon flower and Summer Wave® Bouquet White wishbone flower draw the eye immediately. The joyously red begonia cascades over the side of the container and mingles with the other plants. ‘Marrakesh’ coleus gives balance to the other side of the container and pulls the different colors together in its red-and-light-yellow foliage.

Fall

Fiery foliage is offset by dainty flowers

You won’t have to travel to Vermont for fall color with this container around. As the deciduous weeping larch turns golden, a native bluestar echoes the change with bright yellow-orange foliage. ‘True Blue’ gentian has darker leaves, which are offset by its dark blue flowers. ‘Karmina’ geranium and ‘Brilliance’ autumn fern are just beginning to turn red, extending the show. When we think of fall, our native wildflowers shine. ‘Snow Flurry’ heath aster is covered with star-shaped blooms. ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass and ‘Everillo’ sedge add that grassy texture that screams autumn.

Winter

Bright evergreen foliage puts texture on display

Not every container needs an evergreen as the anchor. By now the weeping larch is bare, but its twisting and curling stems are still putting on a show. Below, ‘Silver Run’ leucothoe has switched back to burgundy. Small conifers of various colors and textures fill the container with festive greens. Yellow ‘Skylands’ Oriental spruce and ‘Everillo’ sedge contrast with ‘Blue Star’ singleseed juniper. Above the scene, cuttings of redtwig dogwood and winterberry make merry.

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