Adding winter color your back patio or front steps is easier than you think. Your empty pottery from the spring and summer can help you make focal points that add interest to your yard in these drab Illinois months. By adding evergreen pieces to existing pots you'll save money on buying new arrangements and you get more use out of the pots that you paid a good penny for earlier in the year.
When in doubt, stop by and I'd be more than happy to help you pick out the greens you need and help you make your pot into something that you'd be happy to show off.
It's a lot easier to create a great look in your pots than most people think. Start with a pot ( I like using pottery because its heavier and the wind is less likely to blow it over, but any will do.) and use any existing dirt still in it from the spring or fill it with sand, gravel or whatever you have around. You want something that will help weigh down the pot and hold the branches in place. You want it pretty full, maybe a couple inches from the top, so that your branches are up high enough in the pot and have plenty of space below to be anchored. Next, get your greens. I like a mixture in mine, it adds texture, but its your pot and you have to look at it so do what you like. We have bundles of assorted greens at the store too. You want to make sure that you have a good variety sized branches to work with (you know tall, wide, short, awkward). If you are using a mixture of greens go for sturdy, tall branches for the back drop, then a layer of wispy needles (like pines) and in the front something lower and sturdy. I have also trimmed some branches from other trees, like River Birch, to add some height and contrast. Once you have your greens ready, go for it! Its a lot of plug and play, don't be afraid to pull it out if you don't like it the first time. Add the greens a layer at a time and adjust them as you add more until you have filled your pot and you like the way it turned out.
Now for the extras... to add some extra color or pizzazz you could do a number of things. I have added silk poinsettias, some berries, a few glitter picks and Christmas tree ornaments. If you are just looking for something simple to pop, add some berries or an ornament here and there. I have seen people put short strands of lights in them too for something extra at night. Let your inner festive self guide you.
DON'T FORGET THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART..... HAVE FUN, IF IT MAKES YOU CRABBY WALK AWAY. THIS SHOULD BE FUN!
Here are some examples I did around our store. I have added to them and walked away, then added to them again until I was content with what I saw. Sometimes all you need to do is walk away and go back a day or two later and it all clicks.
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