As summer gives way to cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, it's time to refresh your front porch decor to welcome the beautiful season of fall. Nancy Martin, the passionate owner of the Gifting Tree & the Secret Garden in Smyrna (formerly known as Love Street), shares her insights on how to create an inviting and colorful fall porch that will impress your guests and neighbors.
Seasonal Plants:
Nancy's first piece of advice is to embrace the beauty of fall with seasonal plants. Whether your front porch gets full sun, part sun, or is mostly shaded, there are numerous plant options to choose from:
For Shade to Part Shade:
- Autumn Ferns: Known for their coppery-red new growth, these ferns add a warm autumnal feel.
- Heuchera: Available in various colors, Heuchera plants provide a pop of vibrancy.
- Creeping Fig, Jenny, or Purple Heart: These trailing plants offer a spilling effect in your pots.
- Pansies or Violas: Perfect for part-shade areas, these flowers come in a range of colors.
For Full Sun:
- Crotons: Known for their vibrant foliage, they thrive in containers and are adaptable to various light conditions.
- Winter Vegetables: Cabbage, Kale, and Swiss Chard provide colorful and interesting foliage.
- Pansies, Snapdragons, Violas, and Poppies: These flowers thrive in cold temperatures and bloom throughout the winter.
- Mums: Instantly add a burst of color to your porch, and they may come back in spring.
Nancy suggests creating pleasing color combinations, such as purple, green, and white, or orange, yellow, and red, to make your fall display truly eye-catching.
Maintenance and Care:
Georgia's sun can be relentless even as fall arrives, so keeping your fall containers and beds well-watered is essential. Be vigilant when the temperature drops below freezing, as many fall plants are sensitive to frost. To ensure your plants continue to thrive and bloom throughout the winter, Nancy recommends using an all-purpose plant food once a month.
Decorating and Trends:
When it comes to decorating for fall, Nancy advises having fun and getting inspired. She recommends keeping your door color in mind to avoid clashing. Here are some decorating trends and tips to consider:
- Colorful Accents: Fall is all about vibrant and fun colors. Consider a colorful wreath, a welcoming fall porch sign, or a festive doormat. Pumpkins can also add an easy and colorful touch, and they can last through Thanksgiving if they don't have carved faces.
- Lanterns: Get creative with lanterns by placing battery-operated candles or string lights inside, along with artificial fall foliage. You can easily switch out the foliage to match the season.
- Artificial Foliage: If you prefer low-maintenance decor, artificial foliage in baskets can be an excellent choice.
- Door Hangers: These can be a great alternative to wreaths, and some are two-sided, providing decor for multiple seasons.
- Alternative Color Schemes: If bright colors aren't your style, consider a more subdued palette of purple, green, and white.
Decorating your front porch for fall is a wonderful way to embrace the season's beauty and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your home. So, get creative, have fun, and welcome fall with open arms and a beautifully decorated front porch.
Gifting Tree & the Secret Garden Nursery
1275 Concord Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
(770) 434-8578
