Help! My flower box has been referred to as a "graveyard"!
by
Noelle
+17
The exterior of my home is very dated! The flower box has been referred to as a 'graveyard' (yes, I can see the resemblance with the jagged stone). It's actually quite high so we don't even garden in it, it's difficult to plant, and to maintain, as it is in direct sun and the plants just wither away anyway. We are on a limited budget, so can not replace the stone or do new siding at this time. What other ideas do you have to help us update the exterior of our home? So that it detracts from the 'graveyard'? Thank you :)
18 answers
-
Oh, and we did replace the storm door already with a full glass door. And spruced up the landscaping on the left side.
Noelle
on Jun 02, 2016
-
If finances will allow you can paint the flower boxes, Front stoop and railing.I would choose a natural color to blend in with the stone and your home. This is assuming the color of your home and shutters are staying that way.
Janet Pizaro
on Jun 02, 2016
-
There is a house in our town who puts out fake plants. It sounds funny but she changes them with the seasons and you would think they are real from a distance. Maybe you can find some fake boxwood or flowers? Just a thought.
Heidi
on Jun 02, 2016
-
We lived in a similar house in CT and couldn't reach the flower boxes, but we could stand inside the dining room and get to them through the open windows.Can you get to the boxes from inside?
Polly Zieper
on Jun 02, 2016
-
I think painting the flower boxes is a good idea. Maybe they could match the shutters or storm door.We also had to use fake flowers when we put our home on the market, and it looked nice, especially ivy.
Polly Zieper
on Jun 02, 2016
-
Glad you replaced the storm door -UUGH! Now that here is full view of the front door, paint it a bright color, blue, red, green. I go for red or burgundy because of the stairs. Draw attention to it. Get some shutters up on the second floor. The stone walls are so off. Makes the house look off balance. I would pick the lightest color from the walls, get some paint, and dry brush the stones to lighten them. You can also paint all the window trim a different color. You have too much white!
William
on Jun 02, 2016
-
I think I would paint the walls white and paint your door red and also put shutters on the second floor and then paint all the shutters red. If you could afford it put you a red tin roof. I have always liked the white siding houses with red shutters and a red tin roof. Just my thoughts. Have fun this is the best place to get ideas.!!!!!!
Sarah
on Jun 02, 2016
-
Your house is lovely! Stone is awesome and never goes out of style. Just plant flowers for color. Flowers are cheap and fun. They shouldn't wither away if you water everyday. My suggestion for the high planter is a step ladder. You can look for a wood one and just leave it there as decor.
Bryan's Workshop
on Jun 02, 2016
-
I love your stone. Not loving it with white. How about shutters on the upper and a real color pop for your front door. You need trailing plants to soften that window box--maybe succulents so watering is less of an issue?
Lori Jackson
on Jun 02, 2016
-
What do you all think if I whitewash the stone and brick, and paint door / shutters a greige color? (I agree need to add shutters to 2nd floor)
Noelle
on Jun 03, 2016
-
Perhaps consider painting the front door close to a rich brick color, paint the shutters a dark/ rich pewter gray color? Shutters on the upper windows would make a BIG difference. It is more to enhance what you have. Also consider some fast growing shrubs (larger and flowering), keep in mind the bloom colors to go with the theme of the house. Side note: I love the front of your house...much love went into doing the stone and brick work!
CrowEyes
on Jun 03, 2016
-
I would face the flower box with wood planks - maybe cedar - and paint it the color of the reddish-Orange stone in the stonework. I would also paint the door and shutters to coordinate with the box then. And add shutters to the second story. All good suggestions here. I'd love to see what you decide to do and show us the finished project. Good luck!
KayDeOH
on Jun 03, 2016
-
I'm thinking cascading plant would help break up the stone on the house. It appears they are in full sun so you could do simple and sweet potato vine and coleus that come in tons of great colors and they are super easy to grow. At the threat of our first frost I always take several cutting of both in root them on my kitchen windowsill. I will let root for a couple of months, and usually sometime after Christmas I go ahead and plant them in the same spot where I had them rooting. I give them a little water once a week or so and then have them ready to go back in there pots outside when spring comes. That's just one idea for a super cheap, easy, and attractive option. Good luck!
Mary Beth Carrier
on Jun 03, 2016
-
I think facing the flower box with western cedar, making a second flower box from the same wood for the other side. Make new shutters for the first and second floor out of the same wood. If you can use the western cedar be sure you put a sealer on it so it will keep the color. Paint the front door a pretty dark red. Good luck!
Cupcake
on Jun 03, 2016
-
Paint the front door and add plants that will hang over the sides of the flower box which will cover the edges, can you reach it from the Windows to keep the islands watered?
Theresa
on Jun 04, 2016
-
Maybe pieces of yard art that don't require watering? It would depend on your taste and style of course. Lend to your "graveyard" by adding ceramic pumpkins in October. Evergreen boughs and XL ornaments in Dec. Gazing globes, or beach floats? Artificial greens if you can afford to replace them often enough for them to remain fresh looking. Just ideas.
Kerensa Zieske
on Jun 04, 2016
-
The house is bottom heavy, if you could add shutters on the upper windows you will shift the weight. Pick a rich color from the stone and paint out the interior front door, shutters and do the hand railing all in a rich earthy clay/brown tone. Stick some sweet signage in the planter with some bird feeders and below that don't forget a gorgeous birdbath. I think the birds will love a spot to dine.
Jane
on Jun 04, 2016
-
I would repaint the shutters and front door to match in a bright cheerful color like turquoise or an orange-red color. I would also paint the octogon window and the trim around the windows a warm taupe. I would then gather succulents that only need to be watered occationally. There are so many to choose from and some are cascading while others are upright and spikey.
April Perry Bartlett
on Jun 06, 2016
Sign Up to Answer
