Outdoor containers can be used for more then just summer flowers.
These containers are ideal for adding festive colour to the winter landscape. A popular trend is to fill them with fresh cut greens, twigs, berries, etc.
Good examples are the large containers at the Hwy. 97 and Hwy. 16 intersection, or to the entrance of the Festival of Trees being held in the Civic Centre.
Use the same pots that you had your summer flowers in including moss baskets, hanging baskets and plastic growing pots. When using ceramic pots make sure they can handle the freezing temperatures, so check to see if they are frost resistant.
When choosing materials to put in the containers let your imagination go. Nature offers lots of choices of fresh greens such as cedar, pine, spruce, holly, etc work well and then add some deciduous branches, curly willow, even grasses, berries and rose hips can be used.
Many of these can be purchased or taken from your local landscape.
If you are going to use things from your own trees and shrubs you need to be careful.
In cold temperatures trees/shrubs become brittle and break easily, so only cut branches off when temperatures are above freezing so you don't damage the tree/shrub.
Always use sharp, clean pruners and don't cut off large branches.
Take off small branches from large trees so that the shape of the tree is not ruined. When purchasing greens make sure they are fresh and kept in a cooler climate (not freezing).
Greens should look fresh by being supple and soft. Avoid any branches that may be dry or brittle.
To make a fresh arrangement start by placing a soaked floral oasis in the container and then secure it to the container.
Using a container with no drainage holes will help prevent water from dripping out or use a liner. If you are using an old moss container soak it in water for an hour before using it.
Very large containers can be filled with moistened sand and then decorated. The next step is placing the greens into the oasis.
Cut the stem on a slight angle and strip off the needles from the first three to five centimetres before placing it in the oasis.
Try keeping the arrangement symmetrical and
organized by using the same length of branches.
Then go to the next variety of greens. Don't throw out any of the small pieces as these can be used later to fill in any gaps.
Once the greens have been placed in the arrangement you can add deciduous branches. These branches can be left natural or be sprayed with colour or sparkle.
Berries, rose hips, ribbon, and ornaments can all be added as finishing touches to add to the festive flair.
If you want to bring it up a notch you can add battery powered mini lights or solar lights.
If cared for properly these arrangements can last for many weeks. When the temperatures are above freezing mist the greens with water and when the temperatures are below freezing just leave the arrangement alone.
This is an inexpensive way to add outdoor colour to your home.
