The Porch Staples That Are Actually Creating An Eyesore In Front Of Your Home

Porch décor. It's pretty universal: seating, plants, side tables, welcome mats, or rugs, and maybe a pair of work boots or a seasonal tool. The larger the porch, the further you can take the design process without overcrowding the space. But visual clutter isn't always about too much of something, sometimes it's just clutter that misses the mark of an aesthetic. There are lots of front yard features that can ruin the appearance of your home; one major way is to neglect your potted plants.

There are many ways that you can neglect your potted plants. The first, and most obvious, is to fail to keep them alive. Dead plants kill the look of your front yard. When you're hanging plants become dead sticks instead of flowing vines, the warmth of your space dies along with them. Trim back the dead and care for the living.

Another way to ruin the look of your potted plants is poor planning. If you have no vision for your garden, there are no guarantees for how it'll turn out. There's a certain chaos in using every pot or planter under the sun without considering a theme. The mess of contrasting sizes, shapes, or colors can distract from the beauty of the garden and other décor.

If you're interested in porch plants, but you don't want to risk them becoming a burden, the first logical step is research. If you're looking for low maintenance, artificial plants are always an option and they offer an evergreen aesthetic without the hassle. Otherwise, understanding your climate and which native species grow there is an excellent first step in keeping plants alive.

Native and evergreen species will require the least interference from you if you're just beginning. Perennial and annual plants will need to be cycled in and out seasonally. Some plants also require direct sunlight — which isn't ideal for your porch. Look for plants that will grow in the shade.

When it comes to determining the aesthetic of your porch plants, planning ahead truly is the secret. When choosing the pots, consider the space ahead of time to avoid overcrowding the porch, but also consider buying multiple pots together to establish a visual theme. Another trick is to choose something unique, like sugar dish planters, for a more quirky theme. Overcrowding isn't only an aesthetic issue; it's also important to avoid overcrowding plants within the pots to prevent them from fighting for resources.

Ultimately, planning and researching your potted plants can go a long way toward ensuring a healthy beautiful look for your porch, but at the end of the day it's imperative that you remember potted plants are just plants. They need sun, water, drainage, and care just like any other plant. Just don't forget about them!