or put succulents in there!

Would they survive New England winters? wondering

If you use basic hen & chick plants and sedums or other ground covers they should survive. But NOT the kind you get at Home Depot, Lowes or Walmart in the house plant section.

Very cute! Maybe you could use some fake plants instead? Very low maintenance :)

Angelina sedum should work, and will cascade. I have a tipped pot with angelina and horsetail sedum. I just looked up the hardiness of the horsetail and realized I need to bring it in for my zone 6 winter.