Winter Gardening Is Just What We Need To Get Through The Chilliest Season

Winter Container Gardens Are Just What We Need To Get Through The Chilliest Season
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In many parts of the country, the approach of winter signals the end to gardening season. Not quite, according to Richard Berry, an gardening expert in the video above. He argues that potted plants can make a great alternative to the cut branches and greenery traditionally used in holiday decorating, especially when arranged in a window box. The resulting lush mini-gardens beautifully counter the bare trees and faded colors that come with winter.

Here's the fine print: Obviously, you can't use delicate plants for this project. Miniature evergreens are your best bet. You also still need to keep the plants hydrated regularly -- up until the first frost. Depending on the variety you choose, you might have to bring the container in when temperatures dip below the freezing point. If you bought the plant from a nursery or home superstore, it will have a label with specific care instructions. Aesthetically, you'll want to combine short and tall varieties within the container, which gives the appearance of fullness.

Watch the video above for more tips and tricks for winter container gardens. Then, tell us: Will you try your hand at this cold weather project?

Get inspired with our Winter Container Gardens board on Pinterest.

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Before You Go

10 House Plants To De-Stress Your Home
Aloe Plant(01 of10)
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The gel of the aloe plant has a number of healing properties, from soothing skin burns and cuts to detoxing the body, and it can also help to monitor the air quality in your home. The plant can help clear the air of pollutants found in chemical cleaning products, and when the amount of harmful chemicals in the air becomes excessive, the plants' leaves will display brown spots. Just an FYI: Grows best with lots of sun. (credit:Shutterstock)
English Ivy(02 of10)
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NASA scientists listed the English Ivy as the number one best air-filtering houseplant, as it is the most effective plant when it comes to absorbing formaldehyde. It's also incredibly easy to grow and adaptable -- try it as a hanging or a floor plant. Grow in moderate temperatures and medium sunlight. (credit:Alamy)
Rubber Tree(03 of10)
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Rubber trees are good for cleaning the air and are one of the easiest plants to grow, as they thrive even in dim lighting and cooler climates. The low-maintenance plant is a powerful toxin eliminator and air purifier. (credit:Flickr: bobdole369)
Peace Lily(04 of10)
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The beautiful peace lily plant is a wonderful low-maintenance flower to keep in the home. Peace lilies do well in shade and cooler temperatures, and they can reduce the levels of a number of toxins in the air. (credit:Flickr: Fortinbras)
Snake Plant(05 of10)
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Snake plants don't need much light or water to survive, so they're an easy choice for any corner of your home. The plant absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the night (while most plants do during the day), so add one to your bedroom for a clean-air boost. (credit:Flick: Uncle Vinny)
Bamboo Palm(06 of10)
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The attractive bamboo palm also made NASA's list of top clean-air plants with a purifying score of 8.4. It's also particularly effective at clearing out benzene and trichloroethylene. These need to be well-watered, in shade or indirect sunlight. (credit:Flickr: notmargaret)
Philodendron(07 of10)
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The heart-shaped philodendron (pictured at left) is a popular plant choice for indoor areas, as they're easy to care for and can grow decorative vines. Like the English Ivy, they are particularly good at absorbing formaldehyde. They can also last for many years when properly cared for. Grow with moderate water and some sunlight and they'll be fine. (credit:Flickr: Julia Folsom)
Spider Plant(08 of10)
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One of the most common house plants, Spider Plants are decorative, easy to grow, and also make the NASA list of the best air-purifying plants. Spider plants are effective at fighting pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene. (credit:Flickr: madaise)
Red-Edged Dracaena(09 of10)
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This beautiful, vibrant plant can grow to be ceiling-height (15-foot dracaenas are common), making it a great plant for decorating and filling up space. It also removes toxins including xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from the air. Grows best in sunlight. (credit:Flickr: ambientfusion)
Golden Pothos(10 of10)
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The Golden Pothos makes the NASA list for its ability to clear formaldehyde from the air. Try adding it to your kitchen or living room as a hanging plant, as the leaves will grow down in cascading vines. They grow easily in cool temperatures will low levels of sunlight. (credit:Flickr: eraine)

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