Add Quick Fall Color with Containers

Even as the rest of your garden starts to slow down in fall, there's still time to add a splash of color with a couple of high-impact containers.

- Kristin Beane Sullivan

Since plants aren't as likely to grow as quickly at the end of the growing season, go ahead and pack them together to get a look you love right away. The nice thing about fall containers is that as the weather starts to cool and the sun becomes less intense, they don't usually require as much water or attention to remain healthy. Here are three different looks that will grab attention by the front door or add structure and color to a border. Whether your fall palette leans more warm or cool, you'll find something here! 

Window Dressing

If there's anywhere that can benefit from a seasonal refresh, it's a windowbox by the front door. Here's a high-impact autumn plan with bright color contrasts and a variety of textures.

Let the stipa grass, violas and petunias spill over and soften the front edge of the box, and back it up with the tall spires of bright red celosia. Fill the space between with floss flower, marigolds and a couple varieties of ornamental kale. Windowboxes are notoriously narrow, so you might be surprised how tightly you have to pack the plants. Once that's done, add even more long-lasting interest with dried stems or twigs from your garden or the craft store. These hydrangea stems were picked green and have aged beautifully.