This Fall, Decorate Your Porch to Impress

Use your imagination to create your own inviting entryway. A simple and easy display at your front door can consist of a tall perennial grass-like Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’ or ‘Gracillimus’ (to be planted at a later date), surrounded by a delightful mixture of colorful mums, pumpkins, and gourds.

Cornstalks can be used as a backdrop and even a small scarecrow or fall garden accessory can instill a little autumn drama.

Use branches, foliage, pods, and berries (perhaps picked from your very own backyard or nearby woodlands) like bittersweet Japanese lanterns or milkweed pods. These can be cut and placed over windowsills and door frames, or fashioned into wreaths by simply wiring the cuttings onto a grapevine or metal frame.

Most importantly, keep in mind the longevity of the items you are cutting. For example, evergreens like boxwood, eastern cedar, and holly will dry out quickly in the autumn sun and will need changing frequently. While Japanese beautyberry, Baptisia seed pods, Porcelain berry, and dried Hydrangea, Black-eyed Susan, and Yarrow flowers will last the longest – perhaps even up until your Thanksgiving holiday.

To put the finishing touches on your fall piece, you can always incorporate dried and preserved items like chinaberry, lotus pods, or wheat that can be purchased at your local craft store.