Happy Friday to the Garden Photo of the Day community, where another week is officially in the books and there is no more pretending that summer is lingering. Fall temperatures have officially arrived across the Midwest, and the changing leaves are putting on quite a show before winter eventually returns to claim the landscape.
While the traditional growing season is winding down for many green thumbs living in colder climates, there remains an abundance of opportunity to inject vibrant color and structural interest back into the garden using seasonal containers. Few people master this craft quite like Howard, a seasoned Chicago-based container designer who has been conceptualizing and executing stunning seasonal displays for nearly four decades.
Howard is already a familiar face to the community, having previously shared his striking spring container creations and delightfully creative Halloween displays. Today, he is back to showcase an entirely new collection of autumn containers from a recent project located in Glencoe, Illinois, situated firmly in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a.
The backbone of this particular arrangement relies heavily on ornamental cabbage and kale (Brassica oleracea cultivars), which serve as reliable and visually arresting annuals for cooler weather. Yet, for many observers, the real stars of the show are the dramatic clusters of deep burgundy berries paired alongside twisting woody stems. These elements introduce a distinct touch of architectural whimsy that effortlessly ties the entire installation together, proving that successful container design relies as much on texture and form as it does on bright floral colors.
Examining the wider context of the Glencoe project, the earthy tones of the terracotta planters complement the aged stonework sitting directly beneath them. Nearby, meticulously clipped boxwood topiaries (Buxus sempervirens, Zones 5 through 8) provide a formal evergreen backdrop that makes the ruffled, textural foliage of the ornamental cabbage and kale stand out with striking contrast. It serves as a textbook example of how well-planned containers can harmonize with the surrounding permanent landscape and elevate even a small, overlooked corner of a residential garden.
Moving further into the property, a series of weathered rectangular containers immediately catches the eye. At first glance, the clever grouping creates the optical illusion of one long, continuous planter box. Rather than scattering individual pots throughout the broader outdoor space, gathering them tightly together delivers a powerful visual impact. Ornamental cabbage and kale maintain their starring roles across these arrangements, while recurring accents of rich purple and deep burgundy echo throughout the designs via foliage, flowers, and dark berries. This cohesive thread demonstrates an expert understanding of how repeating colors and plant families can unify a complex design without making every individual arrangement look identical.
Naturally, the behind-the-scenes reality of professional garden design involves a bit of everyday chaos. Pots and plant tags are occasionally left scattered on the ground during the installation process, reminding everyone that while the work can certainly be messy, the final results are undeniably breathtaking.
At a different residential property on the very same rainy day, Howard executed yet another standout autumn display. The sculptural effect of twisting woody vines intertwined with hanging golden berries creates an arrangement that pushes creative boundaries. The vibrant, warm foliage of companion crotons complements the golden fruit splendidly, offering a sophisticated and welcoming greeting to anyone approaching the home. It stands as a brilliant reminder of the transformative power of thoughtful autumn container gardening, perfectly capturing the spirit of seasonal transition.
