As summer’s warmth gives way to the cool, crisp air of autumn, it’s the perfect time to refresh your container gardens. At Nunan’s Garden Center, our expertise as a Proven Winners certified garden center and grower means we’re uniquely positioned to help you transform your summer containers into stunning fall displays that reflect the beauty of the season. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your autumn container garden makeover.

1. Transition to Fall-Ready Plants

Begin by replacing summer plants with those that thrive in cooler temperatures. As a Proven Winners certified garden center, we recommend mums, pansies, and ornamental peppers as fantastic choices for autumn. Mums, with their rich colors ranging from deep purples to bright oranges, are a quintessential fall plant. Pansies add a cheerful splash of color and are resilient in cooler weather, while ornamental peppers bring unique texture and bold hues to your containers.

2. Incorporate Grasses for Height and Texture

Adding ornamental grasses to your containers introduces texture, height, and movement. Varieties like Proven Winners’ fountain grass, with its soft plumes, or the cool tones of blue fescue, can create a dynamic and layered look that enhances the autumn landscape. These grasses add a sense of motion as they sway gently in the breeze.

3. Include Perennials for Long-Lasting Beauty

Perennials are an excellent addition to fall containers, providing lasting color and interest. Consider using heuchera (coral bells) and sedum, both of which are Proven Winners selections known for their stunning foliage and resilience. Heuchera offers beautiful foliage in shades that complement the autumn palette, while sedum’s late-season blooms add a final burst of color before winter sets in.

4. Enhance with Seasonal Accents

To fully embrace the spirit of autumn, incorporate seasonal accents like mini pumpkins, gourds, and decorative branches into your containers. These natural elements highlight the season and add a rustic, organic feel. Ornamental cabbages or kale, also available through our Proven Winners selection, can be added for a bold and unique twist, bringing texture and unexpected color to your arrangements.

5. Opt for a Fall-Inspired Color Palette

As you refresh your containers, consider shifting to a color palette that reflects the richness of autumn. Deep burgundies, burnt oranges, purples, and golds create a warm and inviting look that harmonizes with the season and adds depth to your container arrangements.

6. Choose Plants for Seasonal Resilience

Autumn weather can be unpredictable, with warm days followed by cool nights. Choose Proven Winners plants that can thrive in these conditions, such as asters, which continue to bloom beautifully into the fall, or hardy evergreens like dwarf Alberta spruce, which keep your containers looking vibrant as temperatures drop.

7. Refresh Your Container Aesthetics

Finally, give your containers themselves a seasonal update. Add autumn-themed touches like burlap wraps, twine, or rustic wooden crates to enhance the overall look and tie together your fall design.

Final Thoughts

Transforming your summer containers into autumnal showcases is a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of the season. By selecting the right Proven Winners plants and adding creative accents, your containers can bring warmth and vibrancy to your outdoor spaces throughout the fall.

Looking for inspiration or advice? Visit us at Nunan’s Garden Center, where our status as a Proven Winners certified garden center and grower means you’ll receive expert guidance and the best selection of plants to help you create the perfect autumn container garden. Let’s make this fall your most beautiful one yet!