Porch Update – Space Saving Planters. For flower container gardening in tight spaces, take a look at this quick porch makeover. You will also see an easy to make moss and grapevine wreath that takes no time at all to put together.
April Pinterest Challenge
It’s time for our April Pinterest challenge. You know how I always get so excited about these posts, that’s because there’s always something new to try or discover. This month we’re focusing on spring container gardening. If this is your first time to join us for a Pinterest challenge, this is how it works. Our host Cindy of County Road 407, selects a photo for us to recreate, and each participant puts their own spin on the photo.
Today we have five bloggers sharing a variety of container garden solutions. If you’re popping over from WM Design House welcome to Thistle Key Lane. Wendy has an amazing green thumb, and shares the best advise on all types of plants and flowers.
Our inspiration comes is from Laura of Dishfuntional Designs, featuring some unique garden spaces which you will find here. One of Laura’s photos shows three galvanized buckets containing beautiful flowers, hanging on a rustic door.
Porch Update – Space Saving Planters
This months inspiration photo challenged me to reevaluate the planter situation on our tiny front porch. After 15 years, I think it’s alright to say goodbye to the old plastic urn. It’s undergone many makeovers over the years, and I feel as if we can find something more attractive to go with the new metal doors.
I love the idea of using metal or galvanized containers for the porch, and have found the next best thing. These tall square composite planters have the look of acid washed metal. They may not have the romantic appeal as in the inspiration photo, but will look very handsome.
Here are three reasons why these planters work well for our small porch.
- size of the planters
- color to coordinate with our exterior
- permanent solution
First, the the planters are tall and narrow with a small foot print. I can place both of them to one side of the double doors with plenty of room for entry. Plus if we have any package deliveries, they can be hidden behind the plants.
Second, the charcoal gray color goes well with the black metal doors, and the red brick on our house. I feel like the lighter gray shade will show off our plants and flowers for better curb appeal.
Third, it’s so nice to finally have two permanent containers for the porch to use year round. I can also mix other planters with them such as the small terracotta flower pot. Even when decorating the front porch I think odd numbers work best, unless you have room for a symmetrical display on each side.
Shade Loving Plants
The shade loving plants I’m using in our new planters include a Boston fern, pink impatiens, ivy and polka dot plants. I gotta say, when I find a combination that works I tend to stick with it. I also love planting hydrangeas, coleus and caladiums.
Moss And Grapevine Wreaths
For the front doors, I’m displaying simple no fuss moss and grapevine wreaths. To make your own, start by deconstructing a grapevine wreath by separating the vines. Then add a few grapevines to your moss covered wreath allowing the vines to stick out around the parameter.
You can use hot glue or floral wire to secure the grapevines. However I find that pushing then ends of the vines into the moss wreath holds pretty well. The last step is adding deer moss in random spots around the wreaths. Add as much as you wish securing the moss with hot glue or floral pins.
Check out this post on patio container gardening from a previous April Pinterest Challenge for lots of spring ideas. For my easy fence herb gardening post click here.
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration you can use right now!
Up next in our Pinterest Challenge is my friend Missy of Sonata Home Design. I can always count on Missy to come up with the most charming ideas inside and outside her home. Don’t forget to click through the other links below for a closer look at what my friends are sharing today. Happy planting!
Cheers!
More Container Gardening Inspiration
Perfect combination of planters and plants!!!! But what really stole my heart are those beautiful wreaths. I think I’ll be making one this afternoon!!!
Thanks so much Diane! My porch was begging for some attention! So happy you like the wreaths, they are super easy!
Once again, I am GA-GA over your front doors! And the new planters are perfect for the space. I am always looking for shade-loving ideas for the front porch, and you gave me some! Great post, Michelle!
Thank you for the sweet comments Missy! New doors can make a huge difference as you know with your beautiful makeover!
Your porch looks amazing, Michelle. I love the moss wreaths and your beautifully planted pots. I am so ready for summer and a garden full of flowers, I hope you are too.
Thank you Wendy! I’m ready for summer too, and so are my plants!
I literally said awww, out loud when I saw your first photo. It was like you had me taking care of your plants along with mine. I should have taken a before photo of the front. It was a sad sad sight before Easter weekend.
Love your new planters and the color looks fantastic against your red brick and front doors. And my word, those wreaths! They are stunning. Great post. You always have great ideas. pinned
Haha yes the fern from last year was toast after our first hard freeze. I feel bad neglecting the front porch, but thankfully the challenge was what I needed to kick it into gear! I’m so happy you enjoyed the post! Hugs!