I was first introduced to The Petaled Porch at a back patio pop-up a few weeks ago outside AR Workshop. I spotted a gorgeous potted planter, and as someone who has never had a green thumb nor has the patience to develop one, I had to stop and compliment such a pretty planter, not knowing I was talking to its designer and creator - one of two sisters who’s budding business (pun very much intended) brings beauty to Alexandria through The Petaled Porch.

Let me introduce you to The Petaled Porch. This local, female, and sister-owned business offers custom container gardening to Alexandria, all designed and created by sisters Caitlin Portase and Corey Huggins - cheekily dubbed the “soil sisters.” This is the second year of business for The Petaled Porch, which creates custom and pre-designed annual arrangements set in planters, pots, baskets, and window boxes. The sisters plant anything from simple pots to elaborate urns, making container gardens easy to maintain for their clients, who often have limited space, knowledge, or time for gardening. 

Caitlin and Corey grew up as Army brats, without the opportunity to set down roots with each move, figurative roots and literal ones! Because keeping up a yard was difficult, their mother made the most out of planters that could be transported and rehomed. The sisters credit her for growing their love of all things flowers and loved how she made every place they moved feel like home with her beautiful potted plants. Little did they know they were learning skills for their future business!

The Petaled Porch works with existing pots and planters or builds in new pots, arranging for sun or shade with many varieties of plants. Arrangements can be potted on-site in existing containers or made off-site and dropped off. The beauty of these arrangements is how maintainable they are and make small-scale gardening approachable. Planted arrangements range from $30 - $175 depending on size, scale, and design. You may have spotted The Petaled Porch planters outside the Olde Towne School for Dogs at the corner of Oronoco and North Saint Asaph Street and sprinkled around Old Town and Fairlington.

Curious to make your own? The Petaled Porch is hosting a container gardening class at AR Workshop on June 26, from 11:30am - 1:30pm. For more information about The Petaled Porch and any upcoming pop-ups or workshops, you can find the “soil sisters” on Instagram at @thepetaledporch or reach out directly with an email to ThePetaledPorchVA@gmail.com. 

I always notice a home with a manicured front porch - I have a camera roll of porches from around town that I’ve fallen in love with on my walks. It’s a simple way to add “curb appeal” value to a property and a sure conversation starter with your neighbors and friends. Thank you, Caitlin and Corey, for adding to the charm of Alexandria with your beautiful planters!