Give Your Front Door a Face-Lift

A container garden is a really great way to make a big impact in a small space such as your front door entryway, as a standalone element in the garden, or even near an arbor—anywhere you need to add permanent structure and weight to an outdoor area! They are so versatile because, depending on the vessel you choose and the plants you pick, a container garden can serve as a lovely formal piece that punctuates a space or a way to add whimsy with loosely potted flowers and herbs.

I’ll show you exactly how to do it using a pair of planters—these are the Bunny Williams Obelisk Planters from Ballard Designs —guarding either side of this front door. The unique shape lends well to a trailing vine like star jasmine. So, fill up the container with a good potting soil, and then add your climbing vine. To soften the edges of the dark aluminum finish and strong lines of these planters, I layered in flowers and trailing vines around the bottom. The trellis lifts off for easy cleaning and access, so you can change out these plants seasonally! Eventually, you’ll have this gorgeous oblong green structure that adds vibrant life to the front porch, and you can keep the base lush and colorful with a quick flower refresh!  

Mix your metals by tucking in a pair of gold lanterns that will add a welcoming, homey flicker of light come dusk.