Ideas for Ground Around Curb Mailboxes

Flower Bed

• Planting a flower bed around your mailbox can enhance the appeal of the area. Be sure to plant flowers which are tall in nature, such as sunflowers, corn flowers, Black-eyed Susan's or other varietals which will not be lost against the height of the mailbox. Planting a flower bed is especially successful in a warm climate so that they might be enjoyed year round. If planting a flower bed in a colder climate, Calla Lilies or Dahlias are a great choice as they will bloom for many summers without the need to replant. Another idea is to place a trellis behind the mailbox and plant climbing varietals. Wisteria or climbing roses can be a nice fit for a trellis.

Mulch and Stone

• A quick, low-maintenance way to beautify the area around your mailbox is to add mulch enclosed by a stone ring. Simply spread an equal amount of mulch around the mailbox in a circle a few feet in diameter. Then enclose the mulch with a dozen or so stones or bricks from your local home improvement store. The weight of the stones will keep them in place. This sort of landscaping has the advantage of requiring little maintenance. At the start of each season you can add a little new mulch on top of the old to freshen the color.

Herbs

• One way to enhance not only the visual aspect around a mailbox, but also the aroma is to plant herbs. Taller herbs -- such as rosemary, cilantro and parsley -- can be planted toward the back, while shorter herbs -- such as basil and mint -- can be planted in front. A good tip is to use mixed perennial herbs which only need to be planted once and can re-bloom for many years in the right climate. Then snip the herbs when you get your mail and add them to your favorite dishes.

Stone Garden

• Another low-maintenance option that is aesthetically pleasing is to place a stone garden around your mailbox. Simply place a crushed stone or pebble product around the base and enclose with larger stones or bricks. If you wish, add a little green to your stone garden by inserting a few plants as well. The stone garden is a great option for a mailbox that is constantly plowed in the winter. When spring comes, adding a few new pebbles and straightening out the stone or brick circle will have it back in shape in no time.