How to Create Beautiful Porch Planters for Fall
I spent much of yesterday cleaning, organizing, and prepping our house for the season ahead. While it’s still warm here and feeling far from fall, I’ll be traveling next week, followed by surgery- so this was my window to make our home feel festive for autumn. I started with our front porch planters- something I look forward to arranging every year. Instead of an oversized mum (always a classic), I decided to mix it up by layering multiple textural plants. I planted coleus, potato vine, thistle, berries, in addition to the mum for a festive color palette. Click through for the source links, a quick tutorial, and for a closer look. Here’s how to create these beautiful porch planters for fall! These are also low maintenance, thanks to the faux components. That’s right… not all of these plants are living!
Last year, I shared how to easily style branches for fall, and this porch planter follows a similar creative process. If you’re filling window boxes for the season ahead, you’re also going to want to check out my tutorial for styling a fall window planter box, here.
Mixing Live & Faux Plants – Supply List
When styling textural planters or window boxes (click here to learn how to install window flower boxes), you want to keep three basic plant types in mind: thrillers, fillers, and spillers. What exactly does that mean?
Thrillers = the star plant… something that commands attention or feels most interesting. In this case, the thriller is the mum.
Fillers = plants that take up the bulk of the planter, adding mass, and filling negative space. In this case, the filler is the coleus.
Spillers = provide balance, break the grid, add a dramatic organic element, and quite literally spill over the edge of the planter or window box, anchoring the vessel. In this case, I used potato vine and a different variety of coleus to spill out of the planter. Here is my complete supply list:
Plant the Base Layer
I began by planting the coleus first, to create a nice base… which filled the majority of my (very dirty) planter. I selected this one because it’s easy to keep alive, has a beautiful autumn color, and does great in the shade- like under my covered porch.
Add the Quintessential Fall Mum
Next, I added the thriller… which is a vibrant orange mum. I kept it front and center for a classic fall aesthetic.
Style the Spiller
I styled the purple potato vine and a different variety of coleus to spill over the edge of the planter, breaking the grid. You can always add more later in the process- but it’s nice to visually get a sense for how much you have.
Incorporate the Filler & Faux Picks
I added a bit more coleus, along with the faux berries and thistle, fluffing and styling with each addition. I was also careful to pack the dirt or soil, making sure the interior was nicely planted. I gave it a good water from the base, before cleaning up my planter. This is how it turned out…
Pedestal Planters
Click directly on each item below to be redirected.
If you’re looking for similar pedestal planters, mine came from Lowe’s years ago. I love the timeless look of a black curved pedestal planter. It looks classic year round.
FAQ
Thank you! I love it, too. Check out this post where I compared Grandeur vs Emtek Exterior Door Hardware.
The base of the picks are plastic and they don’t go very deep into the soil, so I water the planter from the base. I insert the nozzle of my watering can into the plant, making sure to water the live plants rather than showering the entire plant from above.
Of course! This is my front doormat (photographed throughout this post), but I have to say- we have this doormat, which looks nearly identical, in front of the French doors that lead to our back patio… it’s holding up better and is a fraction of the price. Same size, too!
Related
Looking for more fall, gardening, and outdoor living posts? I’ll link some of my favorites for you below. Hopefully these help inspire decorating for the season ahead…
- How to Easily Style Branches for Fall
- Classic Planters for Every Aesthetic and Budget
- Fall Window Planter Box Tutorial
- 30 Designer Approved Cozy Finds for Fall from Amazon
- Fall Patio Dinner Party
- Our Front Porch for Autumn
- Tips for Styling Convincing Faux Outdoor Plants
- Fall Home Tour
- Autumn & Halloween Vignettes at Home
- Decorating for Fall & Halloween
- Fall Mountain Picnic
I hope everyone is having a great week so far. I’m trying to cram in so many things on my to-do list before traveling and my surgery, but decorating for fall has been putting a smile on my face. Now, if only the weather would cooperate!