Hope you all had a great holiday weekend. We spent time with family and have been slowly rebuilding momentum after last week’s big interior paneling project, but we managed a small, satisfying porch update that made a noticeable difference.
When we were house hunting late last fall we took a couple of poor photos of the porch that didn’t show much potential. On moving day we simply set down an old wooden bench that had lived on our previous home’s front porch, and that was the extent of the setup for months. It felt a little blah – functional, but not welcoming or finished.
After more than half a year living here, we finally decided to bring our planters out of storage and use them on the porch. To our surprise there was a hosta still alive inside a sealed storage bin in the basement. We had stacked a bunch of pots into a large tub in December and never opened it until last week. Mr. Hosta’s survival was impressive, and a good reminder that tough shade plants can hang on even in odd conditions.
We rinsed off the outdoor pillows and wiped down the planters to remove cobwebs and dust. Most of the pots came from Home Depot, though a couple of square planters had previously been painted and now look fresher on the porch. While one of us tended to the hose we even filled the bird feeder in the back yard. That little bit of attention helped the whole entry feel cared-for.
Next we made a quick run to Home Depot to pick up a few extra plants. We planted a coleus with striking, high-contrast leaves for color and texture; it’s one of those inexpensive finds that instantly livens a small porch. On the opposite side we put Mr. Hosta back into a pot alongside a delicate, feathery annual with pale purple flowers that thrives in shade. The combination adds leaf interest and a splash of seasonal color.
Flanking the door we placed two compact evergreen shrubs that should mature at roughly three feet tall and around 16 inches wide. The tags went missing before we could note the exact variety, but these are hardy, low-maintenance shrubs that will provide structure year-round. If they outgrow the pots, we’ll transplant them and try something seasonal instead—mums in fall, bright annuals in spring and summer—to keep the porch changing with the seasons.
This mini porch refresh wasn’t a dramatic overhaul, but it’s a practical, attractive pick-me-up until we can tackle larger projects. Our longer-term porch plans include removing the scalloped header above the entry, framing the columns so they read chunky and square, and transplanting overgrown shrubs that crowd the walkway to open up the view from the driveway. We’re also considering replacing the small porch light with a larger lantern-style fixture and possibly adding a matching light on the opposite side of the door for balance. Painting the front door, updating the hardware, and staining the concrete porch floor are on the list too.
Our trusty welcome mat from Target has held up well, probably because we rarely use the front door; we usually enter through a side door in the carport or through the sunroom in our previous house. Still, a spruced-up porch makes the whole approach more inviting, even if it’s not the primary daily entrance.
The planter refresh itself was quick and inexpensive: washing and arranging the pots, buying a few new plants, and placing them took roughly two hours. Watering should be hassle-free thanks to our rain barrel, which makes ongoing care essentially free and eco-friendly. Small routines like watering and occasional trimming will keep the planters looking their best.
Long-term curb appeal means we’d like to see the porch from the driveway instead of it being hidden by numerous bushes and shrubs. Even after pruning the magnolia, the yard feels a little jungle-esque in spots, so opening up sightlines is part of the plan. We also hope to eventually convert the carport into an enclosed garage when we decide on the final design for doors and windows.
Has anyone else tackled a porch refresh lately? Do you rely on a side or back entrance more than the front door? Any stories of plants surviving against the odds like our persistent Mr. Hosta?
Psst—Clara painted a little masterpiece that we proudly added to our hallway frame wall. More on that over on BabyCenter. Proud of our little Picasso.