The perfect symmetry of these two formal Christmas planters makes a rather grand frame for your front door. The box cones and lead planters might be a little costly, but you'll have them for life once you've made the initial investment. The display is perfect for a smart, city front door and you can easily replace the seasonal bedding plants to ring the changes for summer.

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Put safety first: be sure to buy lights that are safe for outdoor use, which usually means they'll have a transformer between the plug the first light of the string. The transformer converts the electricity to a lower voltage suitable for use outside, and must be positioned indoors. The wire on the 'outdoor' side of the transformer will be thin enough to pass through a window or door for a limited period, while still allowing it to close. Don't plug into outdoor sockets if the transformer will be exposed.

You Will Need

  • Box cones (2)
  • Miniature cyclamen (6)
  • Senecio cineraria (8)
  • Large pot or container
  • Crocks
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
  • Slow-release fertiliser
  • Battery-operated fairy lights

Total time: 1 hour


Step 1

Box and cyclamen display - adding compost
Box and cyclamen display - adding compost

Put a few crocks in the base of the pots, half fill them with compost and add a fertiliser tablet to each one.


Step 2

Box and cyclamen display - planting the box cones
Box and cyclamen display - planting the box cones

Plant the box cones in the centre of the pots and carefully fill around the edges with more compost.

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Step 3

Box and cyclamen display - planting around the box cones
Box and cyclamen display - planting around the box cones

Plant a senecio on each side of the pots, along with a cyclamen on each corner. Fill any gaps with more compost.


Step 4

Box and cyclamen display - watering the display
Box and cyclamen display - watering the display

Move the containers to their final position and water them well. Try not to let the compost dry out.


Step 5

Box and cyclamen display - adding the fairy lights
Box and cyclamen display - adding the fairy lights
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Wrap the lights around the box cones. Make sure the bulbs are evenly spaced then connect to your power supply.

Kevin Smith says

No outdoor power supply? Don’t worry; it’s possible to create the same effect with battery operated lights. They’re available in all shapes and colours meaning you’re guaranteed to find some to match your Christmas scheme.
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