How to Decorate a Porch With Plants

Overview

Decorating a porch with plants helps celebrate summer and creates a home-front retreat surrounded by the greenery of nature. No matter if you live in an urban or suburban environment, summer plants that thrive in your area will color your front or back porch and help to cool the space and add texture and aroma. Select a group of plants in various sizes, some colorful pots and plenty of potting soil to get your project off the ground and onto your porch.

Step 1

Assess your space and furniture. The amount of free space on your porch, especially in the corners, should be evaluated so you can purchase and plan for the right-sized plants.

Step 2

Place your furniture. Whether wicker or plastic, place your furniture on the porch so you can identify places to locate your plants.

Step 3

Purchase some tall plants that will do well in your climate. Palm trees or ficus trees are great plants for your porch to create the illusion of space and layering.

Step 4

Purchase medium-sized plants. You want to create a three-dimensional layer of plants in corners, so select medium,sized plants such as azaleas and crotons.

Step 5

Select small, low-to-the-ground plants for your front layer. Small ivies, pothos and petunias are good choices.

Step 6

Pot the plants in potting soil mixed with fertilizer. Use a variety of colorful or terracotta pots with drainage holes in the bottom.

Step 7

Place your tallest plants in the corners of the porch and next to the seating area. This takes the hard edge off the corner and gives you a chance to layer plants in a small space.

Step 8

Place two medium-sized pots in front and slightly off to the sides of the large plant. This adds color and texture to the space.

Step 9

Place three small plants around the front of the two medium-sized plants to complete the corners.

Step 10

Hang three ferns or draping flowering plants like petunias or morning glories from the ceiling of the porch along the front or side railing to add more privacy and color to the porch.

Step 11

Bookend the front door by placing two square pots with flowering geraniums or petunias on each side to define the space.