Autumn & Winter doesn’t have to be boring!  While containers this time of year are not as vibrant as the Summer but, they need a lot less maintenance. 

Ensure they have proper drainage so they are not water-logged during downpours, add plenty grit to the container and use a loamy mix like John Innes to plant up.  There is no need to feed them as that would promote new growth which could be damaged by severe frosts and, only water if extremely dry.  When the weather gets warmer you can give them a feed and either move the plants out of the container or store away somewhere with a bit of shade over summer.

 Try some of the plants below.

• ·        Heuchera – Leaves come in various shades from green, orange, copper, burgundy etc providing year-round colour.  Perfect for the centre of a pot or basket.

• ·        Skimmia – Skimmia thrive in containers providing vibrant evergreen foliage with colourful winter buds.  An ideal centrepiece.

• ·        Pansies & Violas – Very similar, both provide colour right the way through to Spring.  Pansies have the larger flower; violas are a bit hardier and recover from severe frosts quicker.

• ·        Ivy – A classic any time of year.  Ivy is evergreen and although it does not flower it does cascade and trail over the edges of pots and baskets. 

• ·        Thyme – A great addition to any winter container, provides not just green foliage but also useful for Winter stews and Sunday roasts.