It’s time to get out of your garden beds and add seasonal spice where it will make the most impact: on your porch, patio and deck. Celebrate autumn’s splendour with these container planting lessons and inspired colour palettes from Jennifer Reynolds, garden expert.

Light & Bright

1. When designing a large planter (this one has a diameter of 24 inches), start with a plant that is about three-quarters the height of the container. Evergreens and big perennials are perfect for creating the right scale; here, a chartreuse cypress, rooted slightly back of centre, establishes the overall height of the arrangement.

2. Continue building the “green frame.” Variegated boxwood positioned on an angle and two foliage superstars (both perennial euphorbia) define the shape of the arrangement, leaving room for colourful chrysanthemums in pink and orange hues, and fun ornamental peppers tucked around the edge. The large, leafy variegated ivy helps to soften the rim of the planter and adds an extra burst of colour.

3. For a finishing touch, stake mini pumpkins and gourds on sturdy picks, and group them among the striking green leaves of the euphorbia.

Dark & Moody

1. Plant ornamental kale high, just back of centre, in the planter container. This prime real estate draws attention to its architectural stems and the frilly texture of its leaves.

2. Surround the kale with glossy leaves and colourful blossoms. Here, willowleaf hebe ‘Marjorie’ delivers both in spades. In front, turn up the heat with spectacular leafy perennials, like this rusty-hued Heuchera and a blooming sedum that bees and butterflies will love, too!

3. Capture the eye with dark ornamental cabbages tucked in front.

Cool & Calm

1. Start a low planter design with a carpet juniper like ‘Blue Star.’ Balance its short profile with a slightly taller, dramatic plant like black mondo grass (Ophiopogon).

2. Add silvery dusty miller, wiggling it into the planter on a 45-degree angle so it spills over the edge. Then nestle small cabbages into the structure, shaking excess soil from their roots, if necessary, to make room.

3. Fill any air pockets with potting soil, and tuck small evergreen ground cover like pachysandra or ivy into the remaining gaps.

Jennifer’s Top Five Tips For Fall Planters

🍃 Devise a colour scheme.

🍃🍃 Plan for different heights.

🍃🍃🍃Select a variety of interesting foliage.

🍃🍃🍃🍃Include plants that have rounded heads or circular flowers.

🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃 Add perennials that can be incorporated into the garden come spring.