Porch Planter Ideas for Fall

One area of our home I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting is the front porch. I want it to be pretty for passersby and welcoming for guests and family who stop in. I’ve found that the easiest way to dress up your front door is by adding two large planters on either side. Everyone loves pretty flowers – and it’s so much fun to change out the greenery to match each season!

With fall slowly but surely creeping in, I wanted to share my plans for a fall planter refresh, starting with some inspiration from Pinterest:

My general formula stays mostly the same throughout the year, with a few changes for each season. As you can probably tell from my inspiration, for Fall, I like to stick to heartier foliage and a darker, more neutral color palette. My plan for this year is:

A full, hardy base: I usually start with a Kimberly Queen or Macho fern to instantly add fullness and height. For more of a fall vibe, I sometimes swap in ornamental cabbage—a cold-tolerant choice that brings pretty texture and color.
Trailing vines: I always include 2-3 trailing varieties in the front for that effortless, wispy look. English Ivy and Vinca Vine are my go-tos.
Seasonal pops of color: Here’s where it gets fun! In the fall, I lean into darker, more neutral tones with blooms that thrive in cooler temps. Think mums, pansies (forest pansies are a great choice, too), cosmos, and maybe even a pumpkin or two tucked at the foot of your pot.