Don’t dump those patio containers just yet!

Ella's Advice , Christmas

Don’t dump those patio containers just yet! With winter just around the corner, your pots can be transformed into the perfect holiday greeting for your friends and family – a ‘Christmas Container’!

The Right Pot

First things first – you need a container that can withstand the freeze and thaws of Illinois winters. Terra Cotta pots need to be stored indoors, but fiberglass, ceramic, concrete and most plastic containers are perfect for Christmas Containers.

Keep Your Soil

The soil in your pots creates an ideal base to hold your evergreen arrangement! Simply take a knife to cut out the existing plants just below ground level. Be sure to do this BEFORE it freezes solid... so sooner the better! Here’s another idea: if your planters have ornamental grasses or other great foliage plants (i.e. ivy), you can decorate these plants with a bit of metallic spray paint for a nice accent to your arrangement. TIP – use a paper sack to hold the leaves and then spray paint into the bag to avoid getting spray paint everywhere!

Evergreens & More Goodies

Consider some of your own evergreens to add to your containers! Trim a bit of arborvitae, pine, spruce, boxwood, and holly for great additions to your container. Of course we have everything you need to create your fantastic planter. Center your tallest branch first and fill in the sides and create a little depth to your arrangement. Fill in with your favorite greens between each branch and add in artificial picks, sprays and ribbon to complete your design! Even consider recycling your old Christmas tree decorations! You are limited to your imagination.

Looking for advice or more inspiration? Stop in any time for friendly (and festive!) seasonal advice – we’re always here to help!