Deck the Halls, Porch, and Planters

How to Create Holiday Containers That Last All Winter

While much of the country is battling frost, Florida gardeners get to enjoy fresh color and outdoor decorating all season long. Here in New Smyrna Beach, our mild winters make it easy to create holiday containers that stay lush and festive straight through February. With a mix of hardy greens, colorful accents, and a touch of coastal charm, your porch and patio can celebrate the holidays naturally.

Start with the Right Foundation

Healthy, long-lasting containers begin with quality soil. Use a moisture-retentive, well-draining mix such as Espoma Organic Potting Mix or FoxFarm Ocean Forest to give roots room to grow. Choose pots with good drainage holes to handle occasional winter rains. Lindley’s carries an extensive selection of pottery, from classic reds and greens to beachy blues that pair beautifully with Florida’s coastal style.

Layer in Long-Lasting Greens

Traditional evergreen boughs can fade quickly in Florida’s humidity, so choose plants that thrive in our climate. Try a base of:

• Arboricola (Schefflera) or asparagus fern for texture

• Crotons for bold color that lasts through winter

• Foxtail ferns or coontie palms for lush, green structure

• Pentas or blooming kalanchoe for seasonal color

If you love the look of northern evergreens, you can also add fresh-cut winter greens from Lindley’s for short-term holiday beauty. These can be tucked into existing containers for a burst of seasonal texture and fragrance.

Add Seasonal Accents

Accent your greenery with a few decorative touches that reflect the holidays without overpowering your plants. Try:

• Red or gold branches, faux berries, or glitter twigs for height

• Natural pinecones, seed pods, or driftwood for texture

• Decorative ribbon, bows, or seaside ornaments for personality

For a coastal Florida spin, mix in shells, sea stars, or pale raffia ribbon instead of traditional plaid.

Keep It Fresh

Water containers regularly, especially if they’re under cover, and snip any fading leaves or flowers to keep arrangements tidy. If you’ve added fresh-cut greens, replace them as needed to maintain fullness. Fertilize lightly with Espoma Plant-Tone once a month to keep live plants looking vibrant through winter.

Bring the Look Indoors

Smaller versions of your outdoor containers look beautiful indoors too. Try miniature ferns, peace lilies, or poinsettias in decorative pots for tabletops, entryways, or kitchen counters.

Visit Lindley’s for Inspiration

Stop by Lindley’s Garden Center in New Smyrna Beach for everything you need to create festive containers that last. You’ll find Espoma and FoxFarm soils, fresh-cut winter greens, unique pottery, and friendly advice from our staff who love helping you make your home feel bright, natural, and full of Florida holiday spirit.