When the holidays arrive, nothing makes a statement quite like a grand, greenery-filled planter by your front door. To show us how it’s done, we teamed up with June Spanier of June of All Trades, who demonstrates how to transform the 36" TierraVerde™ Sonata Planter into a festive, estate-style display that’s bursting with seasonal charm.

Using layers of winter greens, bright pops of red, and natural textures, June creates an arrangement that not only looks stunning but also lasts through the coldest months — thanks to the Sonata’s all-weather durability.

What You’ll Need

  • 1 Sonata Planter (36")

  • Planter liner to fit the 18" square opening

  • Soil (or floral oasis — June prefers soil)

  • Garden gloves

  • Winter greens (spruce tips, princess pine, cedar, silver fir)

  • Oregonia branches

  • Pinecones on picks

  • Winter berries (real or faux)

  • Cardinal twig dogwood or curly willow

  • Birch logs

  • Ribbon bows

  • Ornaments or holiday “bling” for decoration

Step 1: Start with the Sonata Planter

The 36" Sonata Planter is June’s go-to for large holiday arrangements because of its estate-style height and generous opening. Made from recycled rubber, it’s unbreakable and all-weather resistant — so it won’t crack, even at -40°C. Perfect for harsh winters and festive flair.

Step 2: Build the Height

Begin with your spruce tips as the foundation. Start in the center, then work your way out, layering vertically and at 45° angles to establish both height and shape. June uses about nine spruce tips to create a full, structured base.

Step 3: Add Texture with Pine

Next, layer in princess pine for soft, cascading sprays along the rim. Place them at angles to create movement and contrast against the upright spruce. Already, you’ll see the texture beginning to build.

Step 4: Mix in Silver Fir

The silver fir brings depth with its blue-green color and flat needles that can be shown silver-side out for extra contrast. Tuck these both vertically and horizontally across the planter for a layered, dimensional effect.

Step 5: Finish the Greenery with Cedar

Finally, add cedar branches. Their feather-like, fan-shaped sprays soften the look and tie the textures together. Place them at angles across both the rim and height of the arrangement to create fullness.

Step 6: Add Seasonal Accents

Now comes the festive magic:

  • Pinecones on picks – add rustic warmth.

  • Oregonia or huckleberry – tuck around the pinecones for soft contrast.

  • Winter berries – bright pops of red for a classic holiday look.

  • Dogwood sticks or curly willow – add vertical drama without heaviness.

  • Birch logs – striking focal pieces, either placed first in the center or last for emphasis.

  • Ribbon bows & ornaments – your chance to personalize the design with sparkle or tradition.

Care & Enjoyment

Water the soil in mild weather to keep the greens fresh. Once the soil freezes, nature does the work — your arrangement will stay vibrant through the season.

With its scale, durability, and eco-friendly design, the TierraVerde Sonata Planter is the perfect canvas for bold holiday creativity.

✨ Whether you keep it traditional with red and green or add your own modern twist, this project is a simple way to welcome the season with style.

Credits

Project by June Spanier, June of All Trades
Photography & Video by Dane Nelsen, Minnesota

0 comments

Latest Stories

This section doesn’t currently include any content. Add content to this section using the sidebar.