Spring Pots: How to Build Your Own (and How We Build Ours)

There’s something about the first signs of spring that makes everyone ready to refresh their outdoor spaces. After a long Ohio winter (and let’s be honest… a few fake springs), adding a fresh seasonal pot by your front door or patio is one of the easiest ways to bring things back to life.

And right now is the perfect time to start! Early spring containers will keep your landscape looking fresh and lively all the way through May, bridging that gap before we transition into our summer plantings.

We get a lot of questions this time of year about how we design our spring containers so we thought we’d pull back the curtain a bit. Whether you’re DIY-ing your own or just curious about our approach, here’s how we build our spring pots (and how you can too).

Start with the Right Plants

Spring in Ohio is unpredictable. One day it’s 65° and sunny, the next you’re scraping frost off your windshield… again.

So the key to a successful spring pot is choosing plants that can handle those mood swings, especially this time of year when we’re still bouncing between seasons.

Our go-to choices:

• Pansies – colorful, cheerful, and tough enough to handle the cold

• Helleborus (Lenten Rose) – a favorite for its early blooms and more elevated, natural look

These plants give you that fresh spring feel without the stress of constantly worrying about overnight temps, and they’ll still look great heading into Easter weekend.

Build a Strong Base

Think of your container like a little composition. You want a mix of:

• Height

• Fullness

• Movement

We usually start with our helleborus as a focal point, then layer in pansies around it to fill things out. Don’t overthink placement—nature isn’t perfectly symmetrical, and your pot doesn’t need to be either.

Add Texture (This Is Where the Fun Happens)

This is honestly our favorite part and where your container really starts to stand out.

We love incorporating dried elements to give pots a unique, slightly unexpected look. Some of our favorites:

• Dried mushrooms (yes, really! These are always a conversation starter)

• Bell cups

• Blue dried eucalyptus

These add texture, color contrast, and personality you don’t always get from live plants alone.

You’ll notice we tend to stick with sturdier dried materials—and there’s a reason for that. Ohio weather doesn’t play nice with everything. The softer, more delicate dried florals can break down quickly with wind, rain, and temperature swings. That’s why we lean toward elements that hold their structure longer.

That said—if you love the look of softer dried florals, go for it. Just know they may be a little more short-lived. Sometimes it’s worth it for the aesthetic. And if you’re like us, you’ll probably be replanting your pots for summer in about 6 weeks anyway.

Layer It All Together

Once you have your plants and materials, it’s all about layering:

• Start with your main plants (helleborus, pansies)

• Add in your dried elements for height and interest

• Step back and adjust (this part matters more than you think)

Don’t be afraid to move things around a few times. The best arrangements usually come together with a bit of trial and error. One of the best parts of seasonal containers is that there’s no single “right” way to do them.

You can:

• Keep it simple and classic

• Go bold with color

• Add unexpected textures

• Or swap things out as the season progresses

Your pot should feel like you (or your home, or your brand).

Why We Love Spring Containers

For us, spring pots are more than just decoration, they’re a signal that things are starting fresh again. They set the tone for your entry, your outdoor spaces, and honestly, your mood when you come home.

Even if you’re just getting started days before Easter, a few well-placed flowers can completely transform your space. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to bring a little life back outside.

Follow Along for More

We’ve already been sharing a good bit of photos and videos over on our Instagram, showing our process, materials, and how these come together in real time. If you want a closer look, be sure to check it out.

If you need some inspiration, we have a great gallery of seasonal container plantings we have done in the past.

And whether you build your own or have us take care of it for you, we just love seeing people bring a little life back outside after winter!