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Deck the Halls, Porch, and Planters: How to Create Holiday Containers That Last All Winter

Transform your porch, patio, or entryway into a festive winter welcome!
With a few simple design principles and fresh materials, you can create stunning holiday containers that carry color, texture, and cheer all season long. Whether you prefer classic elegance or natural woodland charm, Nunan’s Florist & Garden Center in Georgetown, MA has everything you need — from fresh-cut evergreens to decorative accents and premium soils — to make your arrangements shine.


🌿 Step 1: Choose the Right Container

Start with a frost-resistant pot or planter that can withstand cold temperatures.

  • Tip: Plastic, fiberglass, or composite containers are ideal for outdoor use in New England’s winter weather.

  • Add Espoma Organic Potting Mix or Coast of Maine Stonington Blend to give your evergreens a sturdy base and ensure proper drainage.

💡 Pro Tip: Reuse your fall containers! Simply remove spent annuals, leaving the soil base intact, and start building your winter display right on top.


🌲 Step 2: Select Fresh Winter Greens

The secret to a long-lasting container is using a mix of evergreens with varying textures and shades of green.
Try combining:

  • White Pine for softness and fragrance

  • Noble Fir for structure and depth

  • Cedar for trailing texture

  • Boxwood or Magnolia leaves for rich contrast

At Nunan’s, you’ll find fresh-cut greens, roping, and wreaths sourced and prepared for durability in cold weather — perfect for containers that stay beautiful well into February.


🍒 Step 3: Add Color and Contrast

Bring your arrangement to life with natural accents:

  • Red Winterberry branches or holly berries for a bold pop of color

  • Curly willow or dogwood twigs for height and structure

  • Pinecones, dried hydrangeas, and seed pods for earthy texture

For a touch of sparkle, mix in ornamental picks, birch logs, or decorative ribbon. Our design team curates a gorgeous collection of holiday stems and embellishments to match every decorating style — from rustic woodland to festive glam.


❄️ Step 4: Arrange for Longevity

  • Water your soil thoroughly after planting — even evergreens benefit from a bit of moisture early on.

  • Keep your container in a shaded or partially protected area to slow drying from sun and wind.

  • In severe cold, mist your greens occasionally or apply Wilt-Pruf anti-desiccant spray for longer-lasting freshness.


🏡 Step 5: Finish with Festive Flair

Layer in a few battery-powered fairy lights or solar twinkle strands to make your porch glow after dark.
If you’d like professional inspiration, visit our holiday display gardens for creative ideas on color palettes and design combinations.


🌟 Shop Local & Stay Inspired

At Nunan’s Florist & Garden Center, we grow, design, and source with care — offering everything you need to make your holiday containers shine:
🪴 Nunan Grown evergreens and greens
🪵 Birch logs, twigs, and decorative picks
🌿 Proven soils from Espoma and Coast of Maine
🌸 Premium pots and planters for every style

Stop by Café Sarina for a cozy latte or warm treat while you shop, and experience the magic of the season at Nunan’s.


❓FAQ: Creating Winter Containers That Last

Q: How long will my holiday containers last?
A: With proper care, they can stay fresh and beautiful for 8–12 weeks — often through February!

Q: Can I use artificial decorations outdoors?
A: Yes! Mix faux berries or ribbon accents with fresh greens for the best of both worlds.

Q: Should I fertilize my winter containers?
A: Fertilizer isn’t needed, but using high-quality soil helps your arrangement hold moisture and stay stable all winter long.


🌼 Quick Takeaway

Creating winter containers is an easy, rewarding way to extend your garden’s beauty through the holiday season. A mix of textures, colors, and fresh greens brings life to the coldest months — and with Nunan’s expert help and premium materials, your planters will thrive all winter long.


📍 Local Connection

Proudly serving the North Shore and Greater Boston area, Nunan’s has been family-owned for three generations — growing nearly 90% of our own plants right here in Georgetown, MA. Our holiday offerings celebrate both craftsmanship and community, from garden design to festive events.


🎁 Visit Nunan’s This Holiday Season

Stop by Nunan’s Florist & Garden Center, 269 Central Street, Georgetown, MA, and get inspired to deck your halls, porch, and planters this winter.
Download Nunan’s customer loyalty app for exclusive seasonal deals and event updates: https://apjl.app/nunans.
Shop live plants and greens online at 🌱 nunansdirect.com.


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269 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
(978)352-8172
info@nunans.com

Garden Center, Nursery,
Florist Shop, and Greenhouse

Monday – Saturday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM