Creating a beautiful fall outdoor display is one of my favorite annual traditions. The combination of pumpkins, mums, and full grown annuals is certainly a scene to enjoy. With the crisp fall air after a hot summer, and knowing winter is on its way, take time to enjoy the beauty of fall.
This post will share my best tips and tricks about how to create a stunning fall outdoor display.
Start with what you already have growing.
We can always count on pumpkins, gourds, and mums filling stores every September, boasting with gorgeous colors and shapes. While they are the traditional fall go-to decor items, a beautiful fall outdoor display can begin with what you already have! Do not feel like you have to get rid of or put away what still looks good. Some annuals will hang in there all the way until the first frost! We worked hard planting them and taking care of them all summer, so why not enjoy for a bit longer?
On the other hand, if your annuals look tired or you are just ready for a change, there are plenty of fall items available. A mum and a few pumpkins will spruce up your front door in no time.
–> My favorite annuals to include in fall displays: purple fountain grass, coleus, vinca vine, ivy, dusty miller, and silver falls dichondra.
In the photo above, I nestled a pumpkin stack and a mum in the massive trailing ivy that was still going strong. I didn’t do anything to this pot, other than add these fall touches. You can certainly achieve a unique fall outdoor display by using what you already have and adding a few new pieces.
Dried grasses and plants can look festive in the fall.
While we typically call them “dead” in the summer, dried foliage can be a fun addition to your fall decor. Whether you forgot to water (it happens!) or you purposefully let your plant dry out, see if you think it would incorporate into your fall display.
Above, you can see the dried purple fountain grass (now brown-ish purple) boldly standing tall and looking fabulous. I love the contrast of the dried grass with the green boxwood, rust colored mum, and perfectly colored pumpkins. While I could have thrown out the grass, I think it added such a cool texture to the display.
Tip your planter pot upside down.
A bold and beautiful display should include items at different heights. One easy trick to achieve this look is to simply tip your pots upside down! Then stack pumpkins, smaller pots, or whatever decor you are using right on top (or bottom…!). In the photo above you can see how I tipped my barrel upside down to display some of my pumpkins.
This is actually a trick I use in the spring and summer as well, to easily add height to any outdoor display. Just make sure to empty the potting mix before tipping it upside down!
Forage for fall florals, corn stalks, and grasses.
A shock made from dried corn stalks is a stunning traditional fall masterpiece. If you are fortunate enough to have your own corn growing, or have permission from a kind neighbor, you can’t go wrong with a shock! Many stores even sell corn stalks if you do not have access to corn nearby.
Forage your own landscape (or a kind neighbor’s yard)
Often times, we have beautiful foliage growing right in our own yard. Try to look at what you have through “autumn” eyes, and see if you can use your treasures in your fall outdoor display. Some of my favorites include: any dried grasses, hydrangea blossoms, yarrow stems, cattails, dried wheat, or any beautifully colored leaf branches.
Check out these gorgeous fall planters Laura created using a combination of dried and living plants. I especially love the tall corn in the center!
Additionally, if you use dried stems and plants, you do not have to water. This is such a nice relief after summer!
I typically nestle the stems right into the potting mix and they stay put. If you have a new pot, you could also use floral foam, leaves, or any filler you have on hand.
Mix it up!
In the photo above, I was in the process of moving my century plants inside for the winter, but decided to display them in my antique crocks for awhile first. I ended up really loving the combination with my fall pumpkins! Don’t be afraid to mix it up and use whatever plants you have around. Your favorite, most unique fall outdoor display may just happen by putting together a new combination!
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