I’ve been on the hunt for porch planters for two summers now. Because our house sits off the road a bit, I knew I wanted something tall—something substantial. I also knew that that they needed to be tall, but not too wide. That’s an easy find, right? Two. summers. later.
I went to Lowes, and they had something close. Tall, but too wide. Home Depot? Narrow, but not tall enough. Grrr. These bad boys aren’t necessarily cheap, so I stayed the course. My final stop was Menards. I found these two, and they were $70.00 a piece (I think). Perfection.
I did a little photo shoot of Maximus on the day I planted them. You can see how wimpy they look when first planted. You can also see how this professional photographer gets her subject to cooperate.
First, he’s giving me his “Don’t bother me” look. Secondly, I called his name. He can’t resist.
I didn’t think I’d get much drama out of them since I got a late start (first of July), but when we returned from our trip, they had gigantisized! Keep in mind—this is just water. Because I was out of town for so long, I didn’t ask my flower waterer (aka. neighbor) to fertilize them. Impressive.
I tend to lean toward plants with color in their leaves as opposed to a mix of flowers. I went for the burgundy/deep purples with the plants, and I threw in some small touches of color with two flowers. Nothing fancy, and I just kept shoving them in there.
Planting Tip: fill the base of your urn with plastic planters the plants come in and then put the potting soil in. This way, you don’t have to use so much soil. Saves money!
Every morning when I go out to water the flowers, I bring the Nemesis with me. I water, he drools. I prune, he pees on shrubs. It’s a system, and we like it. However, if for some reason I don’t bring him out with me, I always get an eerie feeling that I’m being stalked.
These pictures were taken on different occasions. And yes, the scratch in the screen is from you-know-who.
And right when I walk in the door? The same look. Every time. Clearly, he’s not happy with me.
I’m pretty excited to change them out with the seasons. Kale, pumpkins, winter greens—oh yeah! It doesn’t take much for me. I know.
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What a handsome gardener! What kind of dog is Maximus?
Oops, I put the wrong email address on the last post. 🙂
Hi Bobbi,
Hopefully, this finds you. He’s a bull mastiff. He just turned 4. 🙂
LOL! your dog always cracks me up. beautiful urns… beautiful plants! mine are looking a little…pathetic. it’s been SO hot here that i can barely keep up with the watering. :o( i’m currently in the process of giving a hydrangea mouth-to-mouth…it’s not looking too good.
I am now picturing you giving mouth to mouth to a shrub. 🙂
I <3 your dog! What a sweetie! I love your planters too…..FYI with your Coleus….if you pinch the "flower" spike that comes up, your plant will continue to grow bushy instead of leggy 🙂
Everyone should have a handsome gardener like Maximus. Your urns look wonderful. I’m sad to say that mine are empty because it’s so hot that nothing survives. I’m hoping that I can fill them up soon.
hugs
Sissie
Those are just lovely. I’m also on the hunt for similar ones. I keep hoping I’ll find them on clearance this late in the season 🙂
And great plant colors, they arrangement is totally professional!
Those look GREAT!
I can’t help it…I love it when that dog pops up on your blog! LOL!
I don’t know what it is, Mandy, but you’re not alone. Besides, he’s kinda funny. 🙂
Your dog is so funny – staring at you out the window! My Saint Bernard is so much like him – a big baby that needs to know what I’m doing at all times. The photo where you said his name and he give you the look cracks me up!
Your planters look amazing! Mine look all willy nilly midsummer crazy. Can we trade?
LOVE the planters! They really are just the right height, but I think the dog steals the show. 🙂
He always does, Maury. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I love your blog, the writing, the photos – all gorgeous! And the dog, he is beyond gorgeous:):)
Thank you, Kala!
Once again you made me laugh!! Love the way you write…. Your planters look awesome-nice colors you got going on there. I try something different each year-this year not looking too good!! Love the color of the potato vine-but didn’t plant them this year. Note to self-plant potato vine next year!!!
oh ya-love that dog too!!
I’m still laughing as I write this! I love his expressions!
Melinda
Love the planters, and love the brass kickplate, I think I need a couple of those on some doors of mine. And, the door color, love it too. Great.
debi@personalityispreferred.
I know he’s just a big baby, but DANG! I’d be so scared to encounter him by myself! Gorgeous planters BTW. I love all the purple!