How to Combine Mums and Cabbage for Cascading Fall Steps

A few years ago, I came across the most beautiful (pink & green) fall porch I had ever seen. It was a complete jaw dropper 😲, and eventually I noticed the same decorating trends spreading all over the place. Folks caught on quick, but I took my time sticking with what I’m use to which was a more traditional colored approach. Well, not this year. I went for the pink Mum, and green ornamental cabbage gusto. Along the way, I learned a few things that I think will help you if you decide to “Combine Mums and Cabbage for Cascading Fall Steps”.

Here’s what our front porch steps looked like right before I was about to dress them with all the beautiful Mums and ornamental cabbage I found around town (more about where I found the best prices later)…

Cascading Fall Steps Before

Blah! As you can see, it was really boring and definitely missing a wow factor. Look at how lonely and sad those wood steps are 😖. My husband worked so hard on the “DIY Mahogany Steps” a few years ago (covering up our crumbling brick), so they really deserved better than this. Well, they definitely got what they deserved. What do you think of our “Vibrant Cascading Fall Steps” now…

Vibrant Cascading Fall Steps Reveal

POW! Isn’t it all just so inviting? I can just imagine what the neighbors might be thinking 😆… maybe that I have too much time on my hands because I was out there for 4 days getting this just right. Sometimes I feel like yelling over to them, “I’m working!” 😊

Here’s another side shot of the porch steps so you get the full drama effect just like the UPS dude gets…

When all the “children” (aka Mums and cabbage) settled into their seats, I just couldn’t get over how cozy and welcoming it made our front porch look for fall. All the different shades of pinks, and greens really turned it into a vibrant waterfall of fresh fall florals. This is where my decorating tips come into play…

So, what parts stand out for you the most? Did you spot any little sneaky ideas in there? I can be quite sneaky you know.

Read more below for all of my very simple & frugal cascading front porch step tips.

Where to Purchase Mums and Cabbage for Cascading Fall Steps

I wish I could tell you one simple stop to find every single element in the cascading steps, but that really isn’t possible because everyone’s local markets are different. However, I can tell you that Home Depot was more expensive than our local farmer markets here in Michigan (the selection was better at the smaller markets, too). My advice is to shop around for the colors you are most attracted to. Local seasonal markets are usually the best place to find more unique items such as the ornamental cabbage, but bigger retailers may have sales.

Another interesting tip I learned while moving pots around, is that it all doesn’t have to match exactly side to side. In fact, it looks less “commercial” if it doesn’t match up on both sides. In other words, I used the same color scheme (pink & green), but everything isn’t lined up exactly the same on each side. You’ll notice that I made the left side more full, and added in thrifty finds like lanterns, baskets, and of course pumpkins. As you can see…I went with little white pumpkins, and a few gourds 😊.

Cover Cabbage and Mum Planters with Baskets or Burlap for Cascading Fall Steps

If you are a subscriber you may recall that last week I shared how to help make the planters look more cohesive without paying a ton of money on matching pots. I used baskets from the local thrift store (I was shocked how many there were) and I also wrapped a few of the planters in burlap I happen to have on hand. If you want to learn more about covering those ugly plastic things, here’s my quick & easy tutorial: Wrap Mum Planter 3 Different Ways.

One last little tip is to look around your house. I was very surprised to find baskets in places I completely forgot about like my Easter basket stash, and I even found a few on top of our bedroom armoire. Sometimes we get so use to things in our home, we forget what is there.

Oh, before I forget, be sure to check out your garage, too. I found this thrift store picnic basket there.

I hope you enjoyed my first (and probably last 😂) “Vibrant Cascading Fall Steps”…

Happy FALL!

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Dollar Store Mum Wreath

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