Fall Entrances

After a glorious October, it finally feels like fall in the Bay Area. I have put away Halloween, but the pumpkins are still here. How does your front door welcome you home? Here are a few pots and ideas.

The black pot really grounds this fall arrangement. You can plant the ornamental cabbages and just add fall berries as color.

 Source: thepuregardener.com via Alison on Pinterest

Another great black urn, this time with hydrangeas. Just plop the 
pumpkin on top!

Source: ciaonewportbeach.blogspot.com via Alison on Pinterest

Are your hydrangeas dead? Then use what you have. Fall leaves 
create this amazing arrangement. (Again, the recycled pumpkin!)

Source: fancyhouseroad.com via Alison on Pinterest<

Terra Cotta pots filled with ornamental grasses

Source: flickr.com via Alison on Pinterest

If where you live plants are dying. (or if you are skilled at plant 
annihilation like myself) the twigs are always a good choice. 
Their structure and color can make a simple and elegant front door.

Source: deborahsilver.com via Alison on Pinterest

Fall does not always mean orange! A single color statement provides 
wow. The white pumpkins underneath brighten the pot.

Source: deborahsilver.com via Alison on Pinterest

I know. I should have called this post 'The Black Urn.' They do make 
create a fantastic shape and base for just about any planting. 
Happy fall!

Source: deborahsilver.com via Alison on Pinterest

Sandboxes

The glory of a sand pit. I cannot imagine a childhood without sand. The potential of creation, the glee of destruction, the texture, the heat, the mess without mud -- all in your own backyard. This beautiful pit is a focal point of a spectacular yard. And the plastic trucks look right at home.

Photo: Thomas J Story

Perhaps you are a kid at heart? Look at this fabulous yard from Sunset magazine. ( btw ... I will be overusing the word 'fabulous.') Your own corner of the beach. Start collecting the driftwood!

Here's a clever use for a side yard. The boat is very sculptural. Smart too. The sails help keep out leaves. The tarp keeps out critters. from the folks at apartment therapy and ohdeedoh.

Don't want a permanent feature? The rolling box is for you. Move it into the shade when the kids get too hot.
Cookie magazine


SOURCE: You know where to go. If the thrill of the new project isn't enough for your kids, then the ride in the Lyngso truck, should put them over the edge. (In fact, I have thought about just renting the truck to drive them around -- no mulch needed! Hey, we get desperate some days.)
Gorgeous sand, mulch, dirt, rocks, plus a comprehensive compost education program.