Do your clients have larger containers actively planted out in the garden or around the property? Perhaps you are involved with planting and tending those compositions throughout the year. Don't neglect the opportunity to promote customizing these containers by offering the creative service of preparing them for that fourth season of interest. Far too many containers are abandoned, literally from November through March, as they await attention in the spring. With the right materials, technique and creativity, there are unlimited opportunities to provide the service of creating these container arrangements as additional income before snow removal and other winter projects become priorities.

A beautiful, well-balanced container arrangement prepared in time for the holiday season and beyond, likely has significant appeal for many clients who lack the time and motivation to address this winter lapse. A seasonal, winter container masterpiece should provide striking visual impact, include seasonal accents and be both durable and long-lasting into winter. Many containers see the transition from spring to summer and summer to fall but the arrival of frost shouldn't end the potential of the container.

Metal, concrete, wood, thick plastic, fiberglass and resin containers have an innate durability to withstand winter although concerns about terra cotta and ceramic pots are well placed as they are not ideal for the vagaries of winter. It is ideal to empty the pots and provide a new and fresh soil mix the following spring.  The freezing and thawing of container soil can potentially damage the pot. The empty container can then be examined to make sure drainage is still viable and the empty space offers the opportunity to insert and prop a wide range of creative, layered ingredients to add extended impact.

Ingredients for consideration can certainly include available elements found on site (or resulting from other projects) like hydrangea flowers, ornamental grasses, dried flower stalks, clippings from pruning, etc. Outside there are also additional elements in quantity like colorful dogwood (Cornus) and willow (Salix) stems, birch (Betula) logs and berried stems like those from winterberries, that can be used as well. Long-lasting evergreen branches from a wide range of species are also vital for these containers and can be used as prominent centerpieces or cascading elements within the other side layers. 

When arranging elements in a container (emptied of soil), utilize floral foam blocks as needed to secure larger stems and centerpiece elements. Ideally, various elements, when tucked in snugly, start to help secure themselves as well. After combining all the evergreen foliage, colorful stems and dried floral elements, consider the use of accents like pinecones, ornaments and tasteful twinkle lighting. Spray painted stems, glittery accents and every manner of decoration exists commercially for your consideration.

Your clients likely will have some input on the containers, particularly as it relates to peak interest around the holiday season. There are endless ideas in books, magazines and online for creating winter container arrangements that will shine in our Colorado climate and bring in additional revenue!