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Winter Container Design: Cold Hardy Flowers 🌸| The Preppy Gardener (2026)
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Winter Container Design: Cold Hardy Flowers 🌸| The Preppy Gardener (2026)



Hey y’all — Chip Jones here, The Preppy Gardener — and today we’re finally planting the urns in front of the new potting shed at Okarga Farms!

Even though it’s still winter here in northeast Oklahoma, we’ve had some beautiful warm days in the 70s, and I simply couldn’t wait any longer. These newly painted urns (painted to match the potting shed!) have been sitting empty — and I’ve been itching to bring them to life.

In this episode, I walk you through how I design late-winter containers that can handle light frost while still bringing color and excitement to the garden.

Here’s what we’re using:
• Pink Promise hellebores (the perfect cold-season thriller)
• Raspberry-toned pansies for bright seasonal color
• Variegated ivy for trailing movement
• Antique iron finials as a bold architectural centerpiece
• Fresh-cut pussy willow for height and texture
• Good Dirt living potting soil for healthy roots

I always follow the classic thriller, filler, spiller method — but this time the thriller isn’t even a plant! It’s a pair of vintage iron finials that repeat the fretwork on the potting shed doors. I love mixing floral design techniques with garden design, and adding unexpected elements is what makes containers truly special.

These plantings will carry us through late winter and early spring. Once we pass our frost date, I’ll transition the hellebores into the perennial beds and refresh the urns for summer.

This is the very first planting project at the potting shed, and it feels so good to finally see color and life in this space.

If you enjoyed this project, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow along — we’re just getting started for the 2026 garden season.

See you in the garden 🌿
— Chip

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32 Comments

  1. @TheFrostlineGardener

    Really love the fireworks explosion of pussy willow. I might just have to steal that if i attempt to brave a cold season window box! Beautiful combinations and it plays so well off of the mint.

  2. @AMarieLaB

    Chip, Watching from New York State…knee deep in snow & it is exciting to see you planting in March! As always, I am learning & taking notes! ❤

  3. @jacquelinelockett

    That iron thingy was a super great find. I would’ve place the pointy part in the dirt and let heart part out on top. Turned out great tho. Great find

  10. @lianeabeyta4515

    I would never paint the iron finials. The weathered patina is everything . Love the contrast with the green of the pots. The pots were gorgeous… but those pussy willows took it over the top!!!! Love the magical, whimsical feel they give. Amazing combination!

  12. @jennifergreene8891

    Hi Chip 👋 I love how the Urns color matches the door and trim. The finials are perfect 👌 As is the choice of plants! I love how they turned out. Thank you for sharing. Jen Z9b Texas Gulf Coast

  14. @HoeFlemmings

    Nice video! I'd love to chat about a potential collab if you're interested in smart sprinkler controllers. Do you have an 📧 I could reach out to?😉

  20. @Loveflowers2531

    What a great find! The iron finials are gorgeous. What a. beautiful and creative way to use them. I love the colors used on your potting shed and urns.

  23. @vpeter36

    unique art sculpture. wonder if morning glory vines would climb up. would be so colorful and gorgeous!

  31. @birdwalker7379

    The hellebores are so pretty! Thank you for the beautiful inspiration. Your choices complement each other, your urns, and potting shed with style and panache!😊

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