by Ellyn McKinney with Akin’s Nursery | Photography by Lola Magazine
A beautiful porch is the smile of the home – it sets the tone before you ever open the door. Akin’s Nursery
In the South, front porches signal much more than the entryway to a house. They are where stories are told, friendships are built, and families slow down long enough to savor life.
For me, the front porch was so much more than a concrete pad with stairs only a few steps up from the yard. Growing up, it was my stage—where I sang, danced, and acted for an imaginary audience. It doubled as my playhouse, with a child-sized table and chairs set for teddy bear teas. I spent entire days in that space, working out the plans of my little world from dawn to dusk. Though the porch was small, it held big dreams, and I credit it for my lifelong love of the stage. I fear no audience today—after all, my first ones never offered anything but applause.
Now, porch time takes on a different but equally cherished role at our family farm. We gather under the shade of towering oaks for conversations that stretch into the evening. Hours pass slowly with books, journals, and the sound of breeze stirring the leaves overhead. It’s the kind of peace that’s hard to come by in the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Front porches remain the place where families slow down, greet neighbors, sip sweet tea or a glass of wine, and—most importantly—connect. They are the face of a home, meant to be as welcoming as a twinkling eye and a bright smile. By day, they invite visitors in; by
night, with the glow of soft lights and the sound of birds roosting, they whisper of rest.
And just as I once decorated my porch with the whimsy of childhood, today I still delight in dressing it for the seasons. A well-decorated porch extends hospitality before a word is spoken. That’s where our friends at Akin’s Nursery in Shreveport shine. Their team recently created a stunning front porchscape for a local home—layering greenery, seasonal blooms, and thoughtful accents that transformed the entryway into pure Southern charm. With their expertise, the recipe for a welcoming porch is as simple as opening the door.
So, whether it’s a stage for childhood dreams or a gathering spot for family and friends, the front porch will always be a place where life slows down, memories are made, and hospitality shines.
Special thanks to Kerry Laster for opening her porch to Akin’s Nursery & Lola
How-To Porchscape for Fall:
Tips from Akin’s Nursery
- Sweep Away Summer
Clear the porch of fading blooms and summer clutter. A fresh canvas makes room for fall’s cozy layers. - Ground with Harvest Hues
Anchor the space with oversized planters filled with bronze, burgundy, and gold-toned foliage. Akin’s Nursery suggests pairing ornamental grasses with cascading ivy for texture. - Mums, Mums, Mums!
Nothing says fall like pots of cheerful chrysanthemums. Cluster them in groups of three on steps and around seating areas for maximum impact. - Pumpkins with Personality
Mix traditional orange pumpkins with white, green, or heirloom varieties. Stack them in planters, scatter them by the steps, or line the walkway for a harvest welcome. - Cozy Up the Seating
Rockers or swings become irresistible with plaid throws, quilted pillows, or a basket of blankets ready for cool evenings. - Layer in Seasonal Accents
Think corn stalks, hay bales, and rustic lanterns with battery candles. Add a fall wreath on the door to tie it all together. - Glow Into the Evening
Warm amber string lights or lanterns set the mood as daylight fades. Akin’s Nursery often combines porch lighting with clusters of pumpkins for a magical twilight effect.
PRO TIP
from Akin’s Nursery
Use natural materials—pinecones, gourds, and branches—to blend your porch into the season. Their recent fall porchscape for a Shreveport home combined stacked pumpkins, baskets of mums, and twinkling lanterns, creating a space that felt like autumn’s embrace.