Winter Garden Urns

By Karin Lidbeck Brent

With the excitement of the holidays behind us, the thought of the bleak winter ahead can dampen the spirits. Don’t worry—cheer up! The cold and frozen landscape can be brightened with a few winter friendly materials. An outdoor garden project using conifers, bare branches, and natural seasonal elements could be just what you need.

Here are some small garden projects I designed that focus on using one single dynamic element. Perhaps they will inspire you.

Simple ideas can have a lot of impact!  Stacking a set of moss-covered-balls in a tall urn brings color to a wintery stage, along with height and visual interest.

Photography by Michael Partenio

This giant sugar cone is so impressive it deserves a stand-alone treatment. A wood shish kebab spear glued to the bottom creates the allusion the cone is balanced on its own end.

Placing one boxwood ball on a base of moss and spruce branches has a rewarding result with little work. As long as the ground is not covered with snow you can often find moss growing in areas of your garden or yard. Moss can be carefully removed with a spade. Fill your pot with fresh dirt. Top with a layer moss for a soft green base, then add your design.

Planting small conifers in urns is a natural for the winter months. The addition of tall stark white mitsumata branches immediately adds drama.

I absolutely have a thing for birds! As long as you don’t go overboard, adding a small artificial bird to any winter landscape adds a bit of whimsy and the hope of spring ahead!