Available in a rainbow of colours and a catalogue of styles and varieties, dahlias can offer a showstopping display and a perfect floral accompaniment to brightening your front pots. A colour palette of reds, oranges and yellows could really set your front door ablaze with an Autumnal flower aesthetic. Varieties like rhubarb and custard, sunset glow and mountain of fire would really compliment each other and work well in nice big pots. Plan ahead for Autumn and add a tuber or two to your pots in Spring or head to local nurseries and garden centres for ready to plant varieties. Regular dead heading will keep the plant thriving and blooming right up until the first frosts.
Dahlia 'Rhubarb and Custard' | Proctors Nursery
Autumnal Perennials
If you're looking for something a little more subtle or whimsical feeling then something like an Aster (or Michaelmas as they're also known) may be a perfect choice as they typically flower from August through to October. They look fantastic planted up with Echinaceas and Japanese Anemones and will provide height and colour to your pots along with a cottage garden, country style feel.
Aster (claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk)
Ornamental grasses
You don't just need to use flowers though and Ornamental Grasses will add such a gorgeous and tactile glow to your pots and containers. Situate close to your path or door to feel the softness as you brush pass. If you haven't seen it already you can find the Tom's Yard favourite ornamental grasses in this article.
Shrubs can thrive in pots
If shrubs are more your thing, then I have a couple of evergreen's in mind that would really elevate your pots beauty, such as Skimmia and Viburnum, both a delight in pots!
We also like to give you something a little unusual here at Tom's Yard, so another shrub we love here is callicarpa profusion 'Beauty Berry' , while it's not evergreen it does have the most striking plum purple leaves in Autumn before leaving you with the most eye catching metallic purple berries!
The best tip when planting up Autumn containers is don't be afraid to plant up a little closer then you would during the Summer. This will give fuller and more impactful displays.
Thomas' Recommendations
Here are three of my favourite suggestions for pots to consider for one of the most important roles around your home.
Pilone Liscio, Italy
These sturdy, square-based planters are perfect for front doors. Their shape gives them a bit of height but also means you can place them up against your walls or into corners to utilise your space. Children or excited Labradors will have no chance knocking these over!
Alto Rotondo, Italy
These narrow but tall planters are also ideal for front doors with a more limited space around them i.e. terraced homes. One of the more contemporary pots of the business, their simple lines and lack of decor are perfect for those who prefer to keep it minimal.
The XL Elii, Crete
These are very well suited to properties of large proportions and we now have a few pairs sat outside Country Homes around Britain. Their wide top really allows gardeners to go for it when filling them with plants! Perhaps think of a tree in the middle with mixed shrubs and herbaceous plants around the outside. That way you can achieve some planting that won't need to change but you can also have the chance to work with the seasons.
