Autumn is a time of bold colour, cozy gatherings and charming curb appeal. With the right plants and creative touches, it’s easy to transform your porch, patio or garden for the season.
For 30 years, Wave® has brought easy-care blooms in eye-catching shades to gardens across North America, from its signature petunias to its beloved pansies. As the brand celebrates its anniversary year, Wave® Pansies continue to be an autumn favorite, offering long-lasting displays while also doubling as a unique garnish for seasonal entertaining.
Porch to Patio: Fall Displays
Nothing says autumn like a porch dressed in pumpkins, planters and colourful flowers. A container filled with mums, kale, tall grasses and Wave® Pansies is an easy DIY project that instantly brings the season to life. Bold shades like yellows, purples and oranges add festive energy to porch décor, and the brand-new Top Wave™ Orange – the only trailing orange pansy – spills beautifully from baskets, window boxes and patio pots. For a softer, more transitional feel, Top Wave™ Pink Shades bridges the seasons with blossoms that range from light pink to blush and hot pink.
Choosing the right container makes all the difference – a rustic barrel pairs beautifully with brick exteriors, while sleek galvanized metal complements modern homes. Larger pots create more impact and help plants hold moisture longer, while a collection of smaller planters can add charm with variety. Complete the arrangement with gourds, lanterns or copper details for an inviting fall finish.
Layered Style for Lasting Impact
Creating a show-stopping autumn display isn’t just about the plants themselves, but how you combine them. Think in terms of colour, texture and flow to give your space a designer’s touch.
• Colour harmony – Play with contrast, like jewel tones against neutrals, or go timeless with a burgundy-and-gold palette, as seen in Cool Wave® Sunshine ’N Wine.
• Texture – Mix smooth petals with foliage that adds shape and structure, from leafy greens to trailing vines.
• Design flow – Extend your colour and texture choices from porch planters into surrounding beds or borders so the whole space feels connected. These thoughtful design choices help even the simplest containers look polished and on-trend for the season.
Blooms that Brave the Frost
Cooler weather doesn’t mean the end of garden colour. Wave® Pansies are built for the season – spreading quickly, filling baskets and beds, and surviving reliably through frost. They’ll last well into winter and often return in early spring (into hardiness zone 5), blooming alongside other seasonal bulbs.
New this year, Top Wave™ Purple Sunburst makes a striking addition to fall plantings, with its deep blue cap and golden “face.” The dramatic contrast brings instant cheer to porches, balconies and gardens alike. Thanks to Top Wave™’s hardiness and trailing habit, they keep outdoor spaces fresh and full long after other flowers have faded.
A Feast for the Eyes – and the Table
Beyond the garden, Wave® Pansies can make entertaining unforgettable. Their delicate petals are edible and add a colourful flourish to seasonal menus. Toss a handful into a fresh salad for a surprising pop of colour, decorate cakes and cupcakes with blooms that turn dessert into a centerpiece or float them in cocktails for a festive garnish.
The blue-and-cream blooms of Top Wave™ Marina bring sophistication to sweet treats, while the bold hues of Top Wave™ Orange add a playful Halloween accent to party platters and drinks. Using flowers as garnishes elevates everyday dishes, making fall gatherings even more memorable.
This autumn, celebrate the 30th anniversary of Wave® by decorating with pansies that bring long-lasting beauty, resilience and joy to your home. Find more fall inspiration in our Wave blog.