Curb Appeal: Starting At the Mailbox
Some days I have trouble thinking of something to blog about. There, I said it. And today was one of those days--and on days when I get stuck, sometimes I like to go to one of those holidays lists, you know like, "today is dough-nut day," or "today the sweater vest was invented." So, I know you can hardly believe it, but yes, today, July 1, 2010, is National Postal Worker Day! (Not that I could find much in my research to suggest that anyone recognizes it's existence). But none-the-less...
In honor of the day, I thought we could talk about beautifying our mailboxes. So here are my top 5 ways to make your mailbox your mail carriers favorite stop on the block--as well as a beautiful place in your yard for you to enjoy all year long. If you have some ideas of your own, please share them! And if you'd like to make fun of my blog topic for the day, feel free to do that too! Happy Thursday!
Top 5 Ways to Beautify Your Mailbox
- Think Four Seasons. No we aren't going to try to make your mailbox look like a 5-star hotel. I'm talking about thinking about the four seasons of the year during which your mailbox holds a very prominent place in your yard! So when you are picking plants for around your mailbox, choose a couple different varieties that bloom at different times of the year, plus evergreen--so the area always looks groomed and attractive.
- The buzz. If you choose to plant flowers around your mailbox, especially ones that climb the box itself, avoid those that attract bees. The last thing your mail carrier wants to do everyday is fight to avoid being stung by a swarm of critters around your mailbox--and you probably will feel the same way when you retrieve the mail.
- Grass and Succulents. Ornamental grasses and succulents are a great, low maintenance alternative to traditional flowering plants for around your mailbox. I planted various Sedum plants this year (pictured at right) and I love how it turned out. They stay very "groomed" and so far I literally have done nothing to maintain them. They don't require much watering so I just let the rain take care of that and call it a day. (Which is especially nice if your mailbox is far from the house and less likely to be watered by hand).
- Make the Area a Focal Point. Instead of just a post in the ground, now your mailbox is becoming a focal point! Finish that thought by adding a mulch circle and edging the area with stones or decorative trim. Voila!
- Say thanks. We've been talking about the outside of the mailbox, let's talk about the inside. Now, I'm not sure how "nationally recognized" today's mail-carrier holiday is (as I mentioned, I couldn't really find any resources online besides the name of the day), but as far as I'm concerned, any day is a good day to say thanks to the people in your life. So why not leave a note in the box today for your mail-carrier instead of the other way around.
More Resources: How to Install a Curbside Mailbox, Choosing the Right Mailbox for Your House and Personality
P.S. And for those of you who might be wondering if I follow my own advice, I just placed a note for my mail-carrier in the mailbox. I have never heard of such a day before, and maybe he hasn't either! But, hey, who am I to ignore a National Holiday!
