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Discover Fresh Winter Container Garden Ideas for Your Exterior

Initially, I struggled to decorate my ourdoor space when the temperatures started dipping. However after a lot of research and trials, I learned how to create a winter garden using natural elements and hardy plants that fare well in such conditions, like Winterberry Holly, fruits, curly willows, and many more. 

So how do you get started with container gardening in the winter? Well, I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll highlight some of my favorite winter container gardens.

How To Decorate Winter Containers

Red Crush

Black container decorated with Christmas tree and balls

Winter porches don’t have to look hideous. To make your front porch the focal point of your exterior, I suggest choosing plants or branches with a bold color, like red. 

Use An Elegant Urn

Urn-style container covered with leaves and Christmas balls

If you’re looking to make a bold garden statement, garden urns are an excellent idea. I like this archaic container arrangement, as it can really be the focal point of your garden! They are also durable, meaning they can withstand strong winds and snowy conditions. And, since they come in different colors, they’re easy to match with your plants and Christmas balls. 

Utilize Lit Cedar Branches

Flower pot decorated with lit-up branches and Christmas balls

Even though a flower pot alone is enough to increase the curb appeal of your home, I think that you can make it much more attractive by adding lit-up evergreen branches. You can also add some Port Orford cedar branches, which look would even better for this winter container garden design.

This easy idea will make your winter containers look festive for those weekend outdoor winter parties. Plus, I believe that they’re just as fun to use in any other season. 

Use Wooden Containers As Planters

An outdoor planter decorated with wood branches and leaves

If you’re not careful, you could spend a fortune on planters. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, I suggest repurposing readily available materials as a more cost-effective approach. Upcycling old birch branches, logs or wood from an old wooden fence into a planter is one such fun and simple way.

Get inspired by this repurposed garden container. It has both recycled wood and repurposed planted logs, along with some beautiful greenery.

Use A Compact Planter

Garden pot decorated with leaves and woodlogs

I think that adding big birch branches or logs to a floral container arrangement can make it appear somewhat untidy. For a compact look, I suggest using a narrow winter container that packs everything tightly.

In such a situation, choose a large container with a smaller opening, so you can easily make it look full and interesting.

Use Contrasting Colors

Planter decorated with wood sticks, leaves and pine cones
Image credit: @stempeldesigns

Some gardeners are hesitant to use decorative logs in their garden containers because the majority seem to come in white birch. But they’re not all white — if you have green plants in your flowerpot, brown logs make a nice contrast, in my opinion.

Repurposed Twigs

Garden container decorated with sticks and twigs
Image credit: @thecontainedgarden

If you have lots of trees in your garden, there’s so much you can do with their sticks and twigs. For instance, you can turn them into gorgeous decorations for your winter garden container. 

The best part about this is you don’t need to spend any money! Plus, I think that it’s an easy decor project to pull off. 

Create Textural Contrast With Noble Fir 

Outdoor containers decorated with leaves and flowers
Image credit: @planterdecor

Another smart way to use pine branches and fir branches in your outdoor decor is to use other plants and decor elements that differ significantly in terms of their shape or size. 

Embellish With Curly Willows

Garden container decorated with curly willow branches
Image credit: @windowboxgardener

Curly willow branches are a highly sought-after decorative material. What I like most about these unique twigs is that they can be used to decorate almost any area — including your winter garden containers!

Rustic Basket Elegance

Rustic basket decorated with leaves and christmas balls
Image credit: @lepetitplanterkc

Elevate your doorway with this tall basket filled with holiday charm. Lush greenery intertwined with radiant red ornaments stands out, offering a fresh yet festive touch. Let it be a statement piece, introducing guests to the warmth and joy waiting inside your home.

Enchanted Winter Lantern

Outdoor planter decorated with leaves and a lantern

Let the magic of winter captivate your senses. A classic urn holds a lantern, enveloped by snow-kissed evergreens, casting a warm, flickering glow. Surrounding lights and trees add to the festive atmosphere, inviting you into a world where every corner sparkles with holiday joy.

Keep It Simple (In Terms Of Colors)

Planter decorated with woodlogs, leaves and pine cones
Image credit: @thistlecontainers

Your first instinct might be to contrast your metal winter container garden with bright, colorful plants. But I think that you can keep it simple by planting in subtle tones. These cool colors fit nicely with the shades that are associated with the winter season.

Winter’s Fruity Basket Window

Window decorated with leaves and fruits
Image credit: @tracyhine99

Dive into the charm of winter decorations. This wooden window box showcases a blend of evergreens, complemented by a tropical touch with a pineapple and vibrant hues of apples and oranges. Experience the rustic allure it brings to any facade. Perfect for those seeking an earthy yet vibrant flair.

Evergreen Harmony Display

Planter decorated with leaves, pine cones and pears
Image credit: @andrew_cheney

Now, more on the topic of fruits! Adorn your exterior with a unique blend of pears and evergreen branches. This rustic planter boasts nature’s finest, seamlessly merging fresh fruit with verdant textures. Revel in its simple elegance as it uplifts your space with an organic touch.

Conclusion

Thanks to these winter container gardens, I can continue enjoying the fruits of gardening all year round. I don’t have to worry about my potted plants blowing away in a snowstorm or that I’ll miss out on a winter harvest. 

BTW, if you are looking to add somehow more traditional Christmas items to your winter decor, I suggest heading over to this page with Christmas decorations deals! You will find tons of items to install!

Did you enjoy my winter container gardens? If you did, share this piece with your friends! You can also post questions and comments below.

About The Author

  • Nadya Jones

    Nadya's the creative mind behind this blog, sharing her passion for landscaping, gardening and making spaces that nourish the soul. An entrepreneur and writer based in Raleigh, NC, Nadya turns imaginative ideas into inspiration, fueling home and garden dreams. Though Nadya crafts gorgeous posts and photos showcasing lush yards or blooming gardens, the real magic happens behind the scenes where Nadya's partner Brett provides endless support, implementing each vision with care and dedication. Brett's the one ensuring her creative concepts come to life. At heart, Nadya remains an imaginative soul, forever dreaming of whimsical details, vibrant hues and lush landscapes. Each manicured edge or blossoming bloom fuels inspiration, expanding her vision of what's possible in design and life. She shares her love for landscaping, gardening, and outdoor design in her blog, the one you are visiting right now. If you are interested in the same things, be sure to check it out! Also, follow Nadya on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Flickr!

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About The Author

Nadya Jones

Nadya's the creative mind behind this blog, sharing her passion for landscaping, gardening and making spaces that nourish the soul. An entrepreneur and writer based in Raleigh, NC, Nadya turns imaginative ideas into inspiration, fueling home and garden dreams. Though Nadya crafts gorgeous posts and photos showcasing lush yards or blooming gardens, the real magic happens behind the scenes where Nadya's partner Brett provides endless support, implementing each vision with care and dedication. Brett's the one ensuring her creative concepts come to life. At heart, Nadya remains an imaginative soul, forever dreaming of whimsical details, vibrant hues and lush landscapes. Each manicured edge or blossoming bloom fuels inspiration, expanding her vision of what's possible in design and life. She shares her love for landscaping, gardening, and outdoor design in her blog, the one you are visiting right now. If you are interested in the same things, be sure to check it out! Also, follow Nadya on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Flickr!

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