The holidays are packed away, the twinkle lights are stored, and suddenly your front porch planters look a little… deflated. While the vibrant reds and greens of Christmas may have faded, winter is far from over!  While we feel a little less colorful ourselves at For Garden’s Sake, we can easily help you refresh your containers to keep them looking lively and welcoming until spring officially arrives.

Here are some of the best ways and ideas to spruce up your winter planters after the New Year.

Step 1: Clear Out the Holiday Clutter

First, assess what’s left and remove anything that screams “Christmas.”

• Toss or repurpose: Gently remove any dried-out evergreen boughs, especially if they are brittle or turning brown. Pull out any obvious Christmas ornaments, red berries (if they look fake or faded), or ribbons.
• Keep the core: If you have sturdy, well-preserved elements like large pinecones, dried seed heads, or attractive branches (such as birch or dogwood), keep them as they provide great texture.

Step 2: Inject New Life with Winter-Tolerant Plants

The best way to transition your planters is to introduce plants that thrive in cold weather and offer color when little else does.  For Garden’s Sake in Durham will carry the perfect plants to help freshen up your space.  

Focus Plants

These plants should be the star of your refreshed arrangement.

Architectural Elements

Use these to add height and drama, especially if your evergreens were removed.

• Dogwood Branches (Red or Yellow): Insert upright for a striking splash of color against a snowy or drab backdrop.
• Birch Poles: Use thin birch poles bundled together or individually for clean, white vertical lines.
• Pussy Willow: The soft, silvery buds are a classic sign of late winter/early spring.

Step 3: Layer in Natural Textures and Accents

Once your plants are in place, fill the gaps and add visual interest using non-living materials.

• Dried Seed Heads: Leave some dried hydrangeas, coneflowers, or ornamental grasses from the fall for a rustic look.
• Pinecones and Nuts: Cluster large pinecones at the base of the plants. Walnuts or other large nuts can also provide ground cover texture.
• Moss: Lay a sheet of vibrant green or preserved moss over the topsoil for a clean, finished appearance that retains moisture.
• Stones or Gravel: Use decorative river stones or light-colored gravel to mulch the top, adding a textural contrast.

Step 4: Choose a Post-Holiday Color Palette

Move away from the intense reds and greens of December and opt for cooler, more sophisticated winter tones.

Quick Refreshing Tips

• Water Sparingly: Winter planters still need water, especially on warmer, sunny days. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged to prevent roots from freezing.
• Elevate: If possible, place your containers on bricks or “pot feet” to ensure proper drainage and prevent them from freezing to the ground.  
• Add Non-Seasonal Light: Instead of holiday string lights, drape a battery-operated strand of soft, warm white micro-lights around the base of the branches for an enchanting evening glow.
• Focus on the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” Principle: Even in winter, keep your design balanced: Thriller (tall branches, kale), Filler (pansies, violas, Heuchera, Fern, Lenten Rose), Spiller (ivy, creeping jenny tucked around the edges).

By making these simple swaps, you can keep your planters looking intentional, beautiful, and seasonal, transforming them from a Christmas leftover into a stylish beacon welcoming the new year.  When all else fails, bring a picture and dimensions of your pot and our team at For Garden’s Sake can help you design something magical!