Many of us with patios take the fall and winter as an opportunity to house our plants indoors, cover our furniture, and essentially close up shop until the weather warms up again. Goldie Hawn is showing us that plant-decorated patios are worth preserving through the cooler months.
The actor recently shared a clip of her patio on TikTok, and we couldn't help but admire the lush, potted palms brightening up her white patio. The black planting containers look especially luxe against her marble tiles, and it made us think about the best winter plants and pots for our own patios.
According to gardening experts, a few simple preventative measures will ensure that your plants look as lively in their boxes (like these from Amazon) as Goldie's do.
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This 17-inch window box planter is stylishly chic. It has drainage holes, and would work just as well on a window ledge as it would on a patio table or porch step.
Transform your space into a cozy winter retreat with this terracotta urn from Storied Home. Crafted in warm orange tones with a soft chalky finish, this versatile piece can stand in as a planter, vase, or decorative accent, perfect for the season.
These modern white ceramic planters have a luxurious feel, and a subtle texture. They come in three different sizes, ideal for a patio display.
Much like human beings, plants require layers to shield them from harsh conditions; as such, treat your patio plants like you would yourself on a cold day.
'To protect your plants from frost overnight, you need to slow down how quickly they lose the warmth they’ve absorbed during the day,' says David Denyer, flower and garden expert at Eflorist.
'Covering your more vulnerable plants with fleece, cloches, or even an old sheet will trap a thin layer of warmer air around them and stop it escaping overnight.'
He continues, 'Just remember to remove the covers again in the morning so that air can circulate and the plants can breathe. If covers are left on during the day, moisture can build up underneath, leading to rot and mold.'
He also explains that plant placement is crucial. And setting them near walls is a secret to survival. Some palm trees, especially cold-hardy varieties like the Needle or Windmill palm, are strong enough to survive a freeze. However, more tropical palms are very vulnerable, so be sure to invest in a hardy option to follow Goldie's example.
'For potted plants and hanging baskets, move them up against a wall where possible,' David adds. 'This is because brick and stone walls hold onto warmth during the day and release it slowly at night, which can help raise the temperature around your plants by a few degrees, which is often enough to stop frost forming.'
