Decorating Your Porch with Mums this Fall

Chrysanthemums, or mums, can be a beautiful addition to any front porch this fall. With the variety of beautiful colors available, from vibrant yellow and oranges to reds and purples, these can bring new life to the appearance of your home. In this article, we'll give you some decorating ideas and tips for using mums to perk up your front porch and give your house some spectacular curb appeal!

Before You Begin Decorating

Before you start on any decorating project, it is a good idea to clear your working space, in this case, clean your porch! Remove any clutter from the porch including stray pots, dead plants, or other similar items. Take down any summer décor (flags, wreaths, etc.) if they can not be incorporated into your fall theme.
Sweep your porch and wipe down your front door with a damp rag. Take a broom and get rid of those cobwebs around the door or up above. This will make a huge difference in the appearance of your porch.

Fall Porch Decorating Ideas

Now that your porch is clean, you are ready to start decorating. Here are some great ideas and tips for using mums on your front porch:

• Select a single color or a combination of two colors.

The basic colors of mums are yellow, orange, purple and red. Also consider these other combinations: yellow/red, purple/yellow, yellow/orange, orange/purple. Coordinate your color selections with any existing plants or decor that remain on your porch.

• Buy mums in odd numbers - 1, 3, 5, etc.

Don't ask me why this seems to work, but it does. Arranging plants in odd numbers is always more visually appealing.

• Even a small size plant make a big difference.

If your budget is tight, using even one small mum next to your front door can add spark. Combine in a group planting with your existing plants.

• Vary height.

If you have steps up to your front porch, consider placing small sized mums on the sides of the stairs. This can look spectacular and give your guests a warm welcome as they approach your home. Also, you can vary height using planters, plant holders, or existing tables on your porch. Even wooden crates can work.

• Combine with pumpkins, gourds, haystacks.

What says fall more than pumpkins! Add these to your mums on your stairs or in a group arrangement on your porch. Look for interesting colors or gourds in unusual shapes to create interest. Haystacks can be used a backdrop for your beautiful mums as well.

• Use decorative planters.

Place the simple plastic pot that the mums come in into a more decorative planter.



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

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