Garden designer Susan Nock knows that fall containers require careful attention to maintain their appearance through the colder months. Based in Seattle, Nock has over a decade of experience crafting seasonal displays for clients and her own garden. Her approach to fall planting favors cool-toned combinations that stand out from typical warm autumn hues.
Watering and Fertilizing Essentials
The most critical task for fall containers is consistent watering. While cooler temperatures typically reduce water needs, dry spells can still occur late in the growing season. When potting mix dries out excessively, it becomes difficult to rehydrate. Nock recommends inserting a finger up to the first knuckle; if it feels dry, the plants need water. She also advises checking containers in shaded areas more frequently, as these spots retain moisture longer but can still experience sudden drying during warm spells.
Planting occurs around mid-September, with slow-release fertilizer mixed into the potting medium. This method provides steady nutrient delivery throughout the fall, avoiding the stress of frequent reapplication. Unlike summer’s frequent liquid feedings, fall’s short growing season doesn’t justify regular plant food applications. Slow-release formulations are particularly effective here, as they minimize nutrient leaching during autumn rains while supporting healthy root development before dormancy sets in.
Cool-Toned Container Designs
One standout creation features a tall 18-inch planter paired with an 8-inch bowl. The arrangement uses ornamental kale, sedum, ivy, Montauk daisy, and Dusty miller for height and texture. These plants combine structural elements with soft, feathery foliage, creating dynamic contrast. Plants like Miscanthus sinensis ‘Variegatus’ and Hylotelephium ‘Autumn Joy’ create vertical interest, while Brassica oleracea ‘Lacinato’ and Heather add foliage depth. The design flows into a windowbox with similar elements, tying the space together. The 18-inch planter’s dimensions allow for bold architectural lines, while the 8-inch bowl softens the overall composition with rounded shapes.
A separate windowbox emphasizes white and gray tones for a soft, seasonal look. This 24-inch-long box combines Echinacea Sombrero® Lemon Yellow, Dusty miller, Heather, and garden mums. Two Dusty miller plants and two Heather specimens create fullness, their silvery foliage and rounded blooms balancing the taller coneflower stems. Multiple Jacobaea ‘Silver Dust’ and Brassica ‘Pigeon White’ plants add texture, while English ivy trails gracefully along the edges. The cool color palette complements a nearby storage shed, offering a fresh take on fall planting. The white and yellow hues echo the shed’s weathered wood tones, unifying the outdoor space without overwhelming it.
Accent Planters and Thrifted Finds
Nock repurposes leftover plants into a thrifted metal-lined sconce mounted near the windowbox. The round-front, flat-back planter integrates Nipponanthemum nipponicum, Dusty miller, English ivy, and Heather. A ‘Baby Boo’ miniature pumpkin adds seasonal charm, its orange hue subtly echoing the yellow Echinacea in the windowbox. The sconce’s metal lining ensures durability, while its compact size allows it to hang securely without requiring additional support.
