Monday, September 26, 2011

Transitioning from Summer to Fall


It's time to empty the summer planters to get them ready for fall.  The front faces northeast so it enjoys a few hours of early morning sun.  This year I tried a few Boston ferns for a simple bit of green at the front door.  I've never had luck with Boston ferns in the house but they thrived in the humidity outdoors.


I headed to the garden center thinking I'd get some burgundy mums but when I got there, I couldn't find the color I was looking for.  So I thought I try something a little different.


A grass, purple cabbage and a miniature purple petunia that will tolerate temperatures down to 30 degrees.


The grass is a perennial so as long as I get it in the ground before it freezes, it should be fine.  Under cover of the porch, I also think the petunias will last right up to Thanksgiving.


It's not your typical fall flower pots but I like them.


I'm linking up with Small but Charming's Flower Party.  Check it out here.

29 comments:

  1. What a beautiful mix of foliage and colour, my boring old Chrysanths ( only £1 each so I couldn't say no ) plants will hopefully hand on till End of November then I'll do red berries for Christmas.

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  2. You are absolutely right. This is not your typical fall flower pot. It's so much prettier. I have always loved ornamental grass and that's a very cool way to display it.

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  3. I like this better than mums! I think it is really great looking in the urns. My fern was croaking inside, and when I put it outside it came right back!! Now what do I do that the cold weather is on its way back??

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  4. We are on the same wavelength Steve because I just picked up mums over the weekend. Your plantings are lovely and those containers are really nice too.

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  5. Wonderful planting! I am glad you couldn,t find your burgundy 'mum's'! Have a happy monday, love Linda x

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  6. Good Morning, what wonderful planting! I am quite glad you couldn't find the mums you were looking for, this is much more unusual. Love Linda x

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  7. Love your arrangement. I'm a big fan of ornamental grasses, and the little purple flowers are so sweet! The cabbage is a nice addition. Much more interesting than mums.
    Claudia

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  8. Nice job, Steve!! There's going to be plenty of fall color around your house for Fall. These plantings will compliment those colors so nicely..especially if you're going to have pumpkins or gourds on the porch. Love them!

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  9. That looks great--so original and a refreshing change from mums and pumpkins. I love the delicate petunias against the wild grass--contrasts and textures.

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  10. i've always been a fan of grasses. love the look. my house faces east too. i'm waiting for the sun to come up and take pics and join this party. have a good one.

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  11. I think they are so much nicer than Mums. I actually like it better than the ferns too! Maybe the grasses can go back out in the Spring! Love your containers, are they old?
    am

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  12. Tres chic mon amie.

    Now how about you hop in the car and head on down here to do my pots?

    Thanks for the fix it comment tip.

    all seems well.

    xo jane

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  13. Beautiful arrangements and perfect for your porch. A bit of water now and then and they should do fine.

    Mums can be lovely - if you get the color you want - but there are lots of other good things. I think you will enjoy your experiment.

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  14. Love the purple! It gives just the right amount of color.

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  15. I actually think the purple looks nice against the black door.

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  16. Looks great! If you are looking for those mums, would love for you to stop by our garden center if you can head over to Norwood, Rt. 1 area.

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  17. Love the purple flowers. Planted in a black pot makes the colors pop. Very pretty.

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  18. Great container. I've got coleus and lobelia out front right now, and I think burgundy/purple is just right for fall:).

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  19. They look great and PS, love love the new header. Your house facade is so gorgeous!

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  20. Did I find Steve?
    These flower baskets are beautiful!
    They're like the icing on the cake, aren't they?!

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  21. I love grass in pots and I think it's great that you chose things that will last for a long time. The color combos here are gorgeous. And I've been wanting to try cabbage -- you've inspired me to get some for my winter pots on the deck. I got tired of maintaining the pots on our front steps and finally added flax and other perennials, which hardly even need water. It's wonderful! Also, I'm going to try linking to the flower party today.
    Camille

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  22. Hi Steve, Great combination.. silver and purple has always been a favourite of mine and yours works so well in those lovely black pots x

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  23. What great inspiration to do something different. Love it!

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  24. OK...OK... I did not plant ONE planter this summer...I know, I am SO lame. Now you are shaming me into doing something that might get me through December. I am just going to copy yours...I'll let you know how it comes out. Should have them done in a month or 2.

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  25. I headed out for mums this afternoon and was not nearly as open minded as were you. Do love the textures and colors you chose. These will provide a nice welcome as guests approach. Mostly today I continued in the garden where I left off yesterday, cutting out plants which had become either moldy or mushy or both from the excessive rain.
    I yearn for the first crisp fall day.
    Linda in Virginia

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  26. So pretty! I would love to do fall pots around here but our season is so short. Usually before they'd get going, the freezing temps and snow arrive.

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  27. It may not be typical, but that's what makes it so great! Beautiful and unexpected! What's better than that?...except maybe your book deal.

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