webesemps said:JO, don't what your zone 6a encompasses during the winter. I had lived in Santa Fe, NM and that's also zone 6 but I was someplace at 7000 in altitude. I read somewhere that if cold hardy plants are outside and sort of established by late summer then they could take the cold winter outside. I would think the semps in your pots would be able to do that (they are alpine plants). The tender succulents are another story and since they are mixed in with the alpine plants then I would consider the garage near a window? (Is garage heated or not?) Sometimes in NM, I would bring certain pots out like yours (mixed) and place in winter filtered sun for a treat.

Experiment: Would you consider taking out the tenders and put in another pot while leaving the rest (if established enough) to winter outside? One less pot(s) to lug into house? Then you can put the tenders back into the semp pot in spring...

Bev.I believe it would be easier if I took the semps out of that big mixed combo.They are the only hardies.I'll pot them outside and find another tender substitute for the big arrangement in spring.

Thanks much, Paul and Jo…'Angelina' it is!

Jo, I was thinking more of the plastic containers that seemed to have more semps planted in them (and less tenders)...

Bev:
Here's the lay out. All semps, both in containers in the gardens and on deck are outside.
I no longer have a mixed container.I hope.
I checked the zone on everything.The new semps in the plastic bowl and tall blue bucket are z4 there are no tenders planted with them.
I transplanted the semps from the big blue sculpture to a plastic container and took them outside.
All containers with tenders are inside now,I know its early but thats just the way it goes.

Semps outside for the winter

Good Job, Jo!! Hope they hold fast thru the cooling/cold season and be reunited with their "tender buddies" in the Spring!

Jo Ann since they are in containers on the patio. You can bundle up this Fall and winter and sit out there and talk to them.

Seriously I like to do that sometime especially in the Fall. It is why I am doing the living pics and winter container on the patio. I will go out sometime if it is cool in the morning. I put on a jacket and turn on some music and sit out there with my morning tea. I probably look like a nut sitting out there with a jacket on listen to Madam Butterfly. It relaxes me to be outside and a little chilly and looking at the plants. Can we say Fatal Attraction.

Cinta, a kimono; you should be siting outside in the cool morning with your hot tea listening to Madam Butterfly and staring at the plants in a kimono ...

I like being outside no matter what.

webesemps said:Cinta, a kimono; you should be siting outside in the cool morning with your hot tea listening to Madam Butterfly and staring at the plants in a kimono ...

Bev not in my weather. Remember my winter pics?