Hi GPODers!
No matter the season, it’s always a pleasure to see the container creations Howard Nemeroff creates for this clients in Chicago, Illinois. Owner of Plant Parenting, Inc., Howard creates seasonal displays that always dazzle and delight, check out his previous submissions here: One Window Box, Four Seasons, Howard’s Spring Container Displays, and New Creations From a Window Box Expert. Additionally, in case you missed it, Howard was featured in our print magazine in our Garden Photo of the Day department (that’s right, if you submit to GPOD you have a chance of being featured in an actual issue of Fine Gardening magazine!), where we dove deeper into his career in horticulture and lessons learned through his years of container design (Accessorizing the Landscape with Seasonal Containers).
Today we’re looking at a few containers that Howard created this summer, as well as containers that are making their way into fall. To help round out today’s blog I added in some photos that he sent in for his print article so they get all of the admiration that they deserve.
A staple of Howard’s containers and show-stopping foliage. This elegant pop of pink is a planting from this past summer, and while the clusters of pink begonias are sublime, it really is the foliage doing the heavy lifting. Multicolored variegation in ‘Exotica’ cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa ‘Exotica’, annual) is a fabulous focal point plant stretching out from the center top. ‘Red Flash’ caladium (Caladium ‘Red Flash’, Zones: 9–12 or as an annual) adds even more outrageous color in some more abstract shapes. Sweet potato vine—potentially Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Mahogany™ (Ipomoea hybrid ‘NCORNSP-031SHMG’, annual)?—adds a darker tone to the mix and acts like a deep burgundy shadow to the plants above.
Another summer stunner, this one with bolder shades of red. Crotons are classics for fall containers, but they should not be forgotten for summer containers with tropical flair. A red verbena provides reliable, trailing blooms with Reiger begonias and trumpets of fuchsia connecting everything together in the middle of the pot.
Shady spots are equally deserving of stand-out potted plantings. Bird’s nest fern, sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas cv., Zones 9–11 or as an annual), and ‘Fireworks’ rex begonia (Begonia ‘Fireworks’, Zones 9–11) adds more lush foliage to the shade while also providing a fun pop of color.
The plants in this container have grown to such incredible sizes that that the pot is barely visible behind all of that varied foliage. This planting has had a very successful growing season, but the beauty doesn’t end and the pot got a little refresh with the addition of a bright pink mum is the center. Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis, Zones 10–11 or as an annual) stands at attention at the top of the stack while Sweet Caroline Raven™ sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘NCORNSP-024SCRI’, annual) brings a dark contrast. I can’t quite tell what the pale green beauty on the right is… Howard could you clue us in?
In fall, Howard’s designs with ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea cvs., Zones 7–11) and kale (Brassica oleracea cvs., Zones 7–11) are always stand out. This large dish planter with bright yellow mums is a sublime color combination.
Twin urn planters celebrating greens. Howard said: “Mossy bluestone and a midnight blue door was my inspiration,” and that’s reflecting so clearly and beautifully. The planters are an expert-example of complimenting and enhancing a space.
Thank you for sharing these gorgeous plantings with us, Howard! The combinations and arrangements you create never fail to amaze. If you’re not already, be sure to follow Howard on Instagram ( @plant_parenting) to see more of his containers through the seasons.
Have a garden you’d like to share?
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