A brick planter in front of your house is a great way to add a touch of sophistication and beauty to your home. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but it also provides a host of other benefits. If you’re planning to build a brick planter in front of your house, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you through all you need to know about adding a brick planter to your home and how to maintain it throughout the year.
How to Build a Brick Planter in Front of Your House
Building a brick planter in front of your house may seem overwhelming, but it’s actually quite easy. However, before you begin, you need to make sure you have all the materials you need. These include bricks, mortar, a trowel, a level, and basic gardening tools such as a shovel, rake, and gloves. You’ll also need to decide on the location of your planter.
Once you have all the necessary materials, you can begin by digging a trench where you want your planter to be. The trench should be about 6 inches deep and the same width as your planter. Next, mix the mortar according to the instructions on the package and spread a layer of it in the trench.
Begin laying the bricks on top of the mortar, making sure they are level and evenly spaced. As you build up the walls of the planter, continue to add mortar between each layer of bricks. Once you have reached the desired height, let the mortar dry completely before filling the planter with soil and plants.
The Benefits of Having a Brick Planter in Front of Your House
A brick planter in front of your house does more than just look pretty. It helps to protect your home’s foundation by directing water away from your home. Additionally, plants in your planter can provide privacy and enhance the appearance of your home’s exterior.
Another benefit of having a brick planter in front of your house is that it can increase the value of your property. A well-designed planter can add curb appeal and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Additionally, a brick planter can be a great way to showcase your gardening skills and add a personal touch to your home’s exterior.
Enhancing Your Home’s Curb Appeal with a Brick Planter
A brick planter is an excellent way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. With the right plants, colors, and textures, you can create a unique and beautiful look that complements your home’s architecture and style. Whether you prefer a classic, rustic, or modern look, a brick planter can be tailored to your taste.
Not only does a brick planter add aesthetic value to your home, but it also has practical benefits. A brick planter can help prevent soil erosion and provide a barrier between your lawn and garden. It can also serve as a natural divider between different areas of your yard, creating a sense of organization and structure. Additionally, a brick planter can be used to grow herbs, vegetables, or other plants that can be used in cooking or for medicinal purposes.
Tips for Choosing the Best Location for Your Brick Planter
When choosing a location for your brick planter, consider the sun exposure, soil drainage, and available space. A good location will provide enough sunlight for your plants to thrive, and proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. It should also be easy to access for maintenance and watering.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a location for your brick planter is the surrounding environment. Avoid placing your planter near trees or shrubs that may compete with your plants for nutrients and water. Additionally, if you live in an area with strong winds, consider placing your planter in a sheltered location to prevent damage to your plants.
Materials You’ll Need to Build a Brick Planter in Front of Your House
Before you begin building your brick planter, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You’ll need bricks, mortar, a trowel, a level, and gardening tools like a shovel, rake, and gloves. The bricks should be of good quality and size to fit your planter design.
In addition to the materials mentioned above, you may also need to consider purchasing sand and gravel to create a stable base for your planter. It’s important to properly prepare the ground before laying the bricks to ensure the planter is level and sturdy. You may also want to consider adding a waterproofing membrane to protect the bricks from moisture and extend the life of your planter.
Step-by-Step Guide: Building a Brick Planter in Front of Your House
Start by laying the foundation for your planter. Then, build the walls of your planter using your bricks and mortar. After your walls are completed, you can add soil and your chosen plants. Complete your planter with the right finishing touches like mulching, edging, and decorative accents.
It is important to choose the right location for your brick planter. Consider factors such as sunlight, drainage, and accessibility. You want to make sure your plants will thrive in their new home and that the planter is easy to maintain. Additionally, before starting your project, make sure to check with your local government for any necessary permits or regulations regarding building a planter on your property.
How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Brick Planter
The right plants for your brick planter depend on the lighting, soil, and exposure of your planter. Select plants that will thrive in these conditions and complement the overall design of your planter. Popular plants for brick planters include trailing ivy, annuals like petunias, and perennials like lavender.
When choosing plants for your brick planter, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the planter. Larger planters can accommodate taller plants like ornamental grasses or small trees, while smaller planters may be better suited for compact plants like succulents or herbs.
Another factor to consider is the color scheme of your planter. Choose plants with colors that complement or contrast with the color of your brick planter. For example, if your planter is made of red bricks, consider planting white or yellow flowers to create a striking contrast.
Low-Maintenance Plant Options for your Brick Planter
If you prefer to have low maintenance plants in your brick planter, consider succulents, herbs, or ornamental grasses. These plants require less water and attention and still provide beautiful greenery to add to your home’s aesthetic.
Succulents are a great option for those who want to add some unique texture to their brick planter. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and require very little water. Herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, not only add greenery but also provide a useful addition to your kitchen. Ornamental grasses, like fountain grass or blue fescue, can add height and movement to your planter without requiring much maintenance. Consider these low-maintenance plant options to add some natural beauty to your home without the hassle.
How to Maintain Your Brick Planter Throughout the Year
Maintaining your brick planter is essential to keep it healthy and ensure it stays beautiful throughout the year. To keep your plants looking their best, water them regularly, fertilize them when necessary, and prune them to control their growth. Additionally, remove weeds and debris from your planter to prevent pests and disease.
Another important aspect of maintaining your brick planter is to monitor the soil quality. Over time, the soil can become depleted of nutrients, which can affect the health of your plants. You can test the soil pH level and add nutrients as needed to ensure your plants have the best growing conditions.
It’s also important to consider the changing seasons when maintaining your brick planter. In the winter, you may need to protect your plants from frost or bring them indoors. In the summer, you may need to provide extra shade or water to prevent them from drying out. By adapting your maintenance routine to the seasons, you can help your plants thrive all year round.
Ideas on Decorating and Styling Your Brick Planter
Your brick planter is a great way to show off your creative side. Consider adding decorative accents like stones or seashells, placing garden statues or small birdhouses inside the planter or adding a trellis to support trailing vines. With the right decorations, your planter can become a true masterpiece.
Another way to decorate your brick planter is by adding colorful flowers or plants. Choose plants that complement the color of your brick planter and that thrive in the amount of sunlight the planter receives. You can also add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep the plants healthy.
If you want to make your brick planter more functional, consider adding a built-in irrigation system. This will help ensure that your plants receive the right amount of water, even when you’re not able to water them regularly. You can also add a bench or seating area around the planter to create a cozy outdoor space.
Easy DIY Upgrades to Make to Your Existing Brick Planter
If you already have a brick planter but want to give it a new look, some quick upgrades can do wonders. Try painting your planter a new color or adding a unique design with stencils. You can also add small potted plants or decorative accents like hanging lanterns or wind chimes to liven up your planter’s look.
With this guide, you now have all the information you need to build and maintain a beautiful brick planter in front of your house. Not only will it add curb appeal to your home, but it’ll also create a unique and beautiful focal point for visitors and neighbors to admire.
Another way to upgrade your existing brick planter is to add a trellis or climbing plants. This will not only add height and dimension to your planter, but it will also create a natural and organic look. You can choose from a variety of climbing plants such as ivy, jasmine, or even roses.
If you want to add a touch of luxury to your brick planter, consider adding a water feature. A small fountain or waterfall can create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere in your outdoor space. You can also add underwater lighting to highlight the water feature at night.
