Published: May 12, 2025
This spring, transform your front porch into a patriotic tribute and support Blue Star Families in the process.
We partnered with Haley Weaver, military spouse and Head of Military Relations at The Home Depot, to show you how to create a planter that not only adds a touch of red, white, and blue to your home but also gives back. The limited-edition Military Appreciation Planter is available now at select Home Depot stores and online. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Blue Star Families to support military and veteran families across the country.
Follow Haley’s step-by-step guide to build your own display of appreciation — just in time for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
What You’ll Need:
- Vigoro Military Appreciation Planter
- Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix
- Red, white, and blue flowers
- Accessories: hand shovel, gloves, plant food, and mini American flags
Haley’s Formula for a Patriotic Planter That Stands Out
Step 1: Prep Your Base
Fill your Military Appreciation Planter about ¾ full with high-quality potting mix, such as Miracle-Gro®.
Pro Tip: Mix in a bit of plant food to give your blooms a healthy head start.
Step 2: Use the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” Method
- The Thriller – A tall, dramatic centerpiece that adds height and structure.
- Haley’s pick: Proven Accents® Spikes by Proven Winners
- The Fillers – Mounded, colorful flowers that create volume and vibrancy.
- Haley’s pick: Red and white Pentas by Virgo
- The Spillers – Trailing plants that cascade gracefully over the planter’s edge.
- Haley’s picks: Lemon Slice Calibrachoa, Sweet Potato Vine, and Blue Lobelia
Pro Tip: Arrange your plants to visualize how the planter will look in the end. Then, angle filler and spiller plants slightly outward to encourage fuller, more dynamic growth. Since these are seasonal annuals, don’t hold back — plant generously for maximum impact.
Step 3: Final Touches
Top it off with a few mini American flags for a patriotic flourish. Water thoroughly after planting and continue to water daily in hot weather. For best results, fertilize every few weeks to keep your blooms thriving.
Share Your Porch with Pride
Once your planter is complete, snap a photo and use #BlueStarPorchProject to show us how you’re honoring America’s heroes and their families from your doorstep.
Available Through the End of May
Visit select Home Depot stores or shop online to purchase your Military Appreciation Planter. Your support helps Blue Star Families provide free programs, events, and resources that strengthen and uplift military families nationwide.
Together, let’s grow something meaningful.
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