Porch plants came to the rescue for a small front porch that needed a little curb appeal. Plus a simple DIY planter idea to try.
Spring has officially arrived, even though the weather in Atlanta has been unpredictable. Hoping for steady warmth soon, I put together a quick front porch refresh that took me about an hour. The makeover was straightforward—just a few new porch plants, some fresh planters, and a new doormat—and it made a big difference in curb appeal.
Sometimes the simplest updates are the most effective. This speedy project is a perfect example: low cost, low effort, and high impact.
Below I’ll share how the whole look came together and include a short tutorial for those DIY terracotta totem planters you can see in the photos.
One of the reasons this makeover was so easy is that I was able to get everything I needed in a single trip to a local plant nursery. I picked out plants, grabbed potting soil, and even found a few planters I liked. Bringing everything home, it was simple to sweep the porch, experiment with placement, and pot the plants.
Plant varieties I used
All plants listed are from the First Editions® collection—useful if you want similar options.
- Crimson Fire — the purple-leaf plant used in the totem planters
- Cinnamon Girl — the smaller plants used in ceramic stand planters and oblong terracotta pots
- Vintage Jade — the larger shrubs placed in woven baskets
At home, I swept the steps clear of dirt and leaves and began laying things out. My process was low-tech: I placed pots and plants on the porch to test different groupings and heights until the composition looked right. In a small space like this, that visual test is usually all you need before planting and final placement.
How to Make Totem Terracotta Planters
These totem planters are a really quick DIY. You only need two terracotta pots of the same size and height. I chose rounded pots without a pronounced top lip for a cleaner stacked look.
Steps:
- Turn one terracotta pot upside down and set it on a flat surface.
- Plant your chosen plant in the second pot and then place that pot right-side up on top of the upside-down pot.
- The top pot’s weight will usually keep the stack stable. If you prefer extra security, attach the two pots with an outdoor adhesive like liquid nails.
- Stacked this way, the drainage holes typically align, so water drains properly. If needed, you can run a short piece of pipe or hose through the holes to direct water from the top pot down through the bottom one instead of out the sides.
How to Choose Plants for a Small Porch
When selecting plants, I focus on three qualities: color, texture, and size. Choosing a mix that varies across those three elements creates visual interest while keeping the overall grouping cohesive.
A few practical tips:
- Mix heights: combine taller shrubs or totems with mid-height plants and trailing or compact varieties for contrast.
- Mix textures: pair glossy leaves with feathery or deeply veined foliage to add depth.
- Coordinate colors: aim for a palette that complements your home’s exterior—this ties the display together while allowing each plant to stand out.
- Choose planters thoughtfully: using pots with different finishes and shapes can enhance the arrangement. I selected a variety of textures and sizes so the planters themselves contribute to the overall look.
Variety is important, but consistency is key: make sure the plants and containers feel like they belong together.
More plant projects to try
- Easy, low-cost plant propagation for expanding your collection
- Creative DIY planter ideas you can make yourself
- A simple planter hack: repurpose a cleaned candle jar as a container
What are you thinking of planting this spring? Share your ideas or plans in the comments below—I’d love to hear what you’re growing.