Happy Friday, garden enthusiasts! 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 magnificent show before winter inevitably returns to the region.
While the traditional growing season is winding down for many green thumbs living in colder climates, there remains plenty of opportunity to introduce vibrant color and texture into the landscape through seasonal containers. Few people master this craft quite like Howard, a seasoned Chicago-based container designer who has been creating breathtaking seasonal displays for nearly four decades.
Howard is no stranger to sharing his artistic vision with the gardening community, having previously showcased his brilliant spring container creations and imaginative Halloween displays. Today, he is back to share a brand-new collection of fall containers originating from a stunning project located in Glencoe, Illinois, situated firmly in USDA Zone 6a.
The bulk of this first arrangement is anchored by stunning ornamental cabbage and kale, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea cultivars, which thrive as hardy cool-season annuals. However, the true stars of the show are the captivating clusters of deep burgundy berries. Paired with twisting woody stems that introduce an artistic, whimsical touch, these elements successfully tie the entire composition together against a backdrop of chartreuse greenery and rich foliage.
Moving closer to the hardscaping, the earthy tones of the terracotta containers complement the stonework beneath them seamlessly. Flanked by carefully clipped boxwood topiaries (Buxus sempervirens, Zones 5–8) of a formal evergreen garden, the ruffled foliage of the ornamental cabbage and kale truly pops. It serves as a masterclass in how well-designed containers can elevate a small corner of the landscape, working in harmony with the permanent structural features already established on the property.
In another section of the landscape, a series of weathered rectangular containers creates an immediate visual impact. At first glance, the clever grouping creates the illusion of one long, continuous planter box rather than individual pots scattered haphazardly across the space. Ornamental cabbage and kale once again take center stage here, while accents of rich purple and deep burgundy recur throughout the design. Whether introduced through velvety flower petals or dark autumn foliage, this deliberate repetition of color proves to be an effective strategy for unifying a diverse group of plantings without making every single arrangement look identical.
Further exploring the property on a characteristically cool and rainy autumn day, another remarkable patio combination comes into view. The ground may be lightly littered with stray pots and plant tags—a messy reality that is all too relatable to anyone who has ever spent a weekend elbow-deep in damp potting soil—but the resulting display is nothing short of spectacular.
Another standout design at a different residence on the same rainy afternoon showcases the pinnacle of autumn container artistry. The sculptural effect brought by twisting woody vines interwoven with dangling golden berries is nothing short of breathtaking. Complemented by the vibrant, tropical-leaning foliage of colorful crotons, the arrangement offers a magnificent visual punch that redefines what a seasonal entryway container can achieve. It stands as a masterclass in curb appeal, offering a welcoming, vibrant greeting to all who approach the home.
For readers looking to expand their own gardening horizons, exploring professional designs offers endless inspiration for tackling cold-weather transitions. As the autumn season progresses and gardeners across the country begin wrapping up their outdoor chores, these displays serve as a reminder that the gardening year does not have to end with the first frost.
