Festive Fall Container

Add a touch of character to your autumn decor! Create a stunning and sustainable fall container display, combining the unique textures and colors of ornamental kale, pansies, violas, Swiss chard, and pumpkins.

The Story

“In the heart of autumn, a vintage toolbox finds new purpose as a festive fall container, brimming with a vibrant ensemble of nature’s finest. Atop weathered wooden slats, ornamental kale unfurls its majestic fronds, a regal centerpiece in shades of purple and green. Pansies and violas nestle at its base, their cheerful faces mirroring the hues of the changing leaves. Swiss chard stands tall, its vivid stalks a testament to the season’s brilliance. Interspersed among the greens, ornamental peppers add fiery bursts of red and orange, lending a playful contrast to the ensemble. Miniature pumpkins, like golden treasures, rest in the corners, their presence a nod to the harvest’s bounty. And overseeing this lively congregation, a friendly scarecrow stands sentinel, his stitched smile and straw hat a symbol of the season’s whimsy. Together, they form a container that not only celebrates the beauty of fall, but also repurposes a cherished relic, infusing it with new life and a festive spirit.

– Trace Barnett

Trace, Festive Fall Containers

Festive Fall Container

MATERIALS:

  • Rustic container (e.g., wooden crate, old wheelbarrow, vintage bucket)
  • Potting soil
  • Ornamental kale plants
  • Pansies and violas
  • Swiss chard plants
  • Small pumpkins (various sizes and colors)
  • Ornamental pepper plants (optional)
  • Gardening gloves (optional)
  • Trowel or hand shovel
  • Watering can
  • Small gravels, or stones

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Select a Rustic Container: Begin by choosing a rustic container that will serve as the centerpiece for your fall display. This could be an old wooden crate, a weathered wheelbarrow, or any other container with a charming, rustic feel.

  2. Prepare the Container: If the container has drainage holes, cover them with a layer of small rocks or broken pottery to ensure proper drainage. Add a layer of potting soil to provide a stable base for the plants.

  3. Plant Ornamental Kale: Plant the ornamental kale in the center of the container, as it will serve as the focal point. Make a hole in the soil large enough to accommodate the root ball of the kale plant. Gently place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring the plant is secure.

  4. Add Pansies and Violas: Surround the kale with pansies and violas, evenly spaced. These colorful annuals will complement the kale’s vibrant hues. Plant them at a similar depth as they were in their original containers.

  5. Incorporate Swiss Chard: Position the Swiss chard plants around the outer edges of the container. The tall, colorful stalks of Swiss chard will add height and visual interest to the display.

  6. Integrate Pumpkins: Nestle small pumpkins among the plants, placing them in gaps or near the edges of the container. Choose pumpkins of various sizes and colors to create a dynamic and visually appealing arrangement. Use tin foil under each pumpkin to ensure the pumpkins do not rot.

  7. Adjust and Arrange: Step back and assess the arrangement. Make any necessary adjustments to the positioning of the plants and pumpkins to achieve a balanced and pleasing look.

  8. Water Thoroughly: Give the entire arrangement a thorough watering, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Be cautious not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

  9. Place in a Suitable Location: Find a spot for your fall container display where it will receive a few hours of sunlight each day. Ensure it’s in a location that can be easily admired and appreciated.

  10. Maintenance and Care: Regularly check the container for moisture levels and water as needed. Remove any spent blooms or damaged leaves to keep the display looking fresh and vibrant throughout the fall season.

    Enjoy the beauty of your fall creation!

You Might Also Like

Fresh Greenery Wreaths (and Garland)

Add a touch of the outdoors to your decor! Not only is it sustainable, it's budget-friendly to boot.

Turnip Jack-O-Lantern

We're dipping a toe back in history for this autumnal craft.

Choosing the Perfect Pumpkin

Does the perfect pumpkin exist? Learn how to pick the perfect gourd and make it last for months to come!