Creating a welcoming entry for guests this time of year with a display of fall flowers in beautiful pots or urns, pumpkins abounding, and a touch of whimsy by using potted ornamental cabbage is my fall porch love language. Of course during the summer I’ve go ferns (asparagus ferns are my favorite) in large planters by the door, in the fall I usually have crotons or mums, and then we transition into winter with these lit Christmas trees (similar) flanking the front door. The only time of year I have nothing by the front door is during the harsh winter months of January through early March.
Having dead plants by your front entrance is like having a manicure that is way past it’s prime and has come to the point where it’s just best to take it all off and have nothing on than to have haggled, unkempt nails. This year (like the inside of my home) I decided that the outside would be all about natural elements and neutrals with pops of color, even in my wreath. The tag says they are lavender but right now they look reddish orange, but I’ll update you once they finally decide to pop.
I’ve done everything to get them to pop, including setting them out in the sun (recommended by my local nursery) and watering them with BR-61 but they are still holding out on me…Ugh!! I really love these blue pumpkins (called Jarrahdale based on my research) and the personality they bring to the space but I bought one on a whim and then when I went back to get more (because I realized how much I loved their uniqueness) they were all gone (insert big ‘ole crocodile tears here!
However, the grouping of pumpkins, flowers and pillows here on and around the bench adds a little drama and interest and says “hello fall and welcome to our home” to friends and neighbors as they approach our porch, and I love it!
Sometimes my husband and I sit here and just chat as we enjoy the weather (and sometimes even when the kids aren’t outside playing, haha…that’s just how we roll and how much we like it out here). They were zinc (that I don’t recommend) and honestly didn’t hold up well to the elements so when I found these that were a hard molded plastic with a transitional shape, and in black, I knew they were the ones. Nothing says welcome more than having beautiful fall flowers planted in pretty pots…it shows you went the extra mile and will make your front door area look and feel more authentic than keeping the not so lovely plastic pots they arrived in.
My husband was sweet to do the replanting for me and my fav is this gorgeous plum mum (my signature color this year that you can read more about here) in my absolute favorite gray pot! Here is that full view you’ve been waiting on and don’t forget to check out our pup Gracie at the end where I caught her taking a nap amongst the mums we have planted in the flower beds near by.
Emma Ward
