Mailbox in Flower Pot - Unique Garden Design
Tired of that boring old mailbox sitting by the curb? Give it a makeover with a flower pot to create unique curb appeal!
Installing your mailbox inside a decorative flower pot makes for charming garden decor. The flower pot hides the standard metal mailbox while complementing your landscaping.
What is a Flower Pot Mailbox?
A flower pot mailbox is simply a metal mailbox enclosed within a flower pot planter. The mailbox piece fits snugly into dirt inside the container, with flowers growing around it. Just open the disguised mailbox door to access your mail.
This DIY garden project allows you to transform an everyday object into a delightful yard accent. The flower pot makes your mailbox a decorative feature instead of an eyesore.
Size and Shape
Choose a flower planter at least twice the size of your mailbox to allow ample space for flowers and soil. Aim for a depth of 10-14 inches. Many people use large clay or ceramic pots for the flower bed mailbox look.
Round, square, rectangular, or custom planters work well. Just be sure the opening accommodates your mailbox size. Also, pick lightweight pots under 20 pounds.
Flowers and Plants
Opt for hardy, resilient flowers that withstand your climate and environmental factors like sunlight or shade. Popular picks include:
- Lavender
- Daylilies
- Succulents
- Petunias
- Marigolds
Low maintenance perennials, herbs, and ornamental grasses are great choices too. Go with dwarfed plant varieties suitable for containers.
Benefits of a Mailbox in Flower Pot
Flower bed mailboxes offer benefits beyond receiving your mail in style:
Adds Charm and Creativity to Your Yard
Make a statement and express your unique personality! The flower pot mailbox lets you customize your space.
Paint the flower pot to match your home. Stencil on designs for extra flair. Use outdoor paints to write your family name or home number for added charm.
The mailbox garden creates a focal point brimming with color and texture from lush greenery.
Complements Existing Garden Decor
Work your mailbox garden into your current landscaping for a cohesive look. Choose flower colors and plant varieties that coordinate with nearby beds and containers.
For example, surround your mailbox with deep purple petunias if you already have petunias in flower boxes on your porch. Repetition ties elements together.
You can also opt for entirely different plants than existing yard decor. Just ensure their colors and textures still complement each other.
Creates Unique Curb Appeal
Make your home exterior stand out with this creative spin on curbside mailboxes. Passerbys will do a double take when they spot the charming flower pot.
It puts a smile on guests' faces before they even reach your front door! The unexpected mailbox garden makes your house more inviting and memorable.
Buyers also love unique accents that add personality. So flower pot mailboxes can potentially boost resale value.
How to Make a Mailbox in Flower Pot
Want to DIY your own mailbox planted in a flower pot? Follow these simple steps:
Choose Location
Select a spot with these factors in mind:
- Visible and easily accessible for postal workers
- Receives adequate sunlight for plants
- Allows proper drainage from the flower pot base
- Won't interfere with sprinklers or utility lines if installing a post
Pay attention to sun exposure based on your plant selections. Read plant tags to confirm required sunlight - whether full sun, part shade, etc.
Select Flower Pot and Mailbox
Purchase your materials (or repurpose what you already have):
- Standard mailbox with durable post
- Flower pot at least 2x the mailbox dimensions
- Landscaping materials - soil, gravel, etc
- Flowers, plants, herbs for container
Think about overall height with the pot and post or mounted mailbox. Keep visibility and functionality in mind for mail delivery.
Prepare Flower Pot
Get your pot ready in a few simple steps:
- Clean flower pot thoroughly with soap and water
- Add gravel layer at bottom for drainage
- Fill remaining space with quality potting mix
- Dig out hole to insert mailbox piece
The gravel base prevents soil from leaching out. It also keeps drainage holes from getting clogged.
Install Post and Mount Mailbox
How you install the mailbox structure depends on your setup.
For a freestanding post, dig a hole the depth of your local frost line. Secure wooden 4x4 or metal post with concrete.
Or you may opt to mount the mailbox on your home, garage wall, or fence instead. Use appropriate hardware for the surface material (wood, brick, vinyl).
Just ensure your mailbox height, position, and accessibility meet postal service regulations for your area.
Add Soil and Flowers Around Mailbox
Now comes the fun part - planting your mailbox garden!
- Add more potting mix around the mailbox piece
- Plant flowers or greenery around the mailbox
- Consider adding pebbles, rocks, or wood accents
Group your plants according to height as they grow. Place tall flowers in back and short plants in front for optimal visibility.
Leave a few inches between mailbox and plants for opening the door. And keep the mailbox door clear of obstructions.
Design Ideas for Mailbox in Flower Pot
Personalize your flower pot mailbox with these creative touches:
Bright Flowers for Pops of Color
Vibrant blooms make your mailbox pop against the landscape. Try red geraniums, pink petunias, orange marigolds, or purple pansies.
Don't be afraid to combine striking hues for seriously fun mailbox flair. Contrasting colors side-by-side make plants appear more vibrant too.
Complementing Flower Colors
For a more subtle effect, select mailbox plants with colors echoing your home. Soft pink roses, blush gardenias, and white daisies look sweet against a gray Victorian.
You can also pick plant colors inspired by artwork or accessories on your house. Develop a coordinated theme across elements.
Match Home Exterior Colors
Choose flower pot and bloom colors intentionally matching or contrasting exterior paint colors.
A vibrant red mailbox flower pot makes a bold statement against light blue shutters. While orange lantana plants pop beautifully against a yellow front door.
Repetition of colors makes everything visually flow. But sometimes contrast works better for your particular home style.
Maintaining Your Flower Pot Mailbox
A flower mailbox garden requires some TLC. Follow these maintenance tips:
Check soil moisture frequently, especially with potted plants. Water thoroughly whenever the first 1-2 inches becomes dry.