Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner. It’s time to refresh the porch with plants and outdoor planters.

We’ve been in our new build for a little over a year now. Where did the time go?

I haven’t done a thing to the bonus room. It’s on the list! For now, I’m planning my outdoor space so I’ll catch you up on everything.

Fireplace Vs. Fire Table

While we were in the building process I had my heart set on an outdoor brick fireplace at one end of the pool. However, the more I thought about it, the less I wanted it.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the look of an outdoor fireplace, but after weighing the pros and cons listed below, I decided against the fireplace.

An outdoor fireplace is beautiful, but how often would I use it?

I’m probably the only person on earth who does not like the smell of wood burning. I think it has something to do with our home burning to the ground when I was a little girl. We were not home and we arrived to see the exterior walls engulfed and collapsing. It’s not a pretty sight at all.

Obviously, fireplaces are much more expensive than fire tables. If I get tired of the fire table, it’s not a huge investment when compared to a tall brick fireplace.

So I decided to order this Polywood 5-piece group, complete with a fire table. I”m still waiting on it to arrive and I’ll take photos once it gets here. The cushions are also included!

I love that the propane tank is hidden underneath the table and I’m looking forward to making S’Mores with the grandkids.

Landscaping

Landscaping was completed late last summer and into the fall. I took lots of photos and it’s fun to look back at the growth. Roses and other plants are blooming and it’s all beautiful.

Three Pindo Palms died because of the unusually low temps we had here in South Carolina. All of the plants/trees are guaranteed for a year so they will be replaced soon.

I’m loving this Coral Bark Japanese Maple!

Last fall the landscapers sowed winter rye grass and it was gorgeous all winter long. It doesn’t need mowing nearly as much as warm-season grass so that was a plus. We even had someone stop by to tell us how beautiful our lawn was and ask us what type of grass we had.

We live in the country on 10 acres and have a huge yard. Sod is very expensive so the landscaper suggested laying sod around the decking of the pool and sowing grass seed everywhere else. We agreed.

They have now sowed the permanent grass so fingers crossed!

Favorite Outdoor Planters

Outdoor containers can be expensive so it pays to shop around. As you shop, keep in mind which shape and size will complement the plantings. You also want to use an outdoor planter that fits the space.

I tend to gravitate toward oversized pots. It has plenty of room for the plants or trees to grow.

If you’re planting flowers with shallow roots, you can fill the bottom with leaves and mulch and add soil to the top third of the pot.

Different Types of Outdoor Planters

Stone and concrete are great for maintaining moisture and soil temperature and happen to be my favorite! However, these types of containers are very heavy so if you plan on moving a plant around, you might want to avoid these.

Fiberglass, Risen, and Plastic containers have come a long way! These types of planters are inexpensive and lightweight.

I’m sharing my very favorite planters down below. Just click on a photo you like to get more information.