Beautiful home! I think hanging plants between the columns would be lovely--a very classic look. Lots of people use Boston ferns but I've had better luck with Asparagus ferns. They don't get as bedraggled looking in the heat. Either one can be overwintered in the garage if you have a cold spell.

I think either of your options for the plants by the door would work--places such as Michael's and Hobby Lobby have lots of stands and tables that you could bring home to try.

junco - thank you! I wasn't aware of the difference between ferns so that helps me when I finally go to the nursery.

Have you considered a beautiful mounted flower box under your small double window? I had a beautiful copper one at my previous house, it was perfect. I could change out plants easily because they were in individual pots set in the flower box. This will keep your walkway un obstructed. I thin hanging baskets would look beautiful. There are so many options for there. Ferns or geraniums, or wave petunias. You will need to diligent in watering them daily in our Texas heat. I have hanging baskets currently, mine are wave petunias in various colors in one pot, a multi color bougainvillea, fuschia geraniums, and pink double begonias. These do well as long as I water them daily.

This is the type of window boxes I am suggesting. This is on Lowes site they also sell the brackets for mounting it.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosmere-36-in-x-9-5-in-Black-Metal-Hanging-Charleston-Window-Box/4652999

You may want white ones to match your paint. Lowes has a good selection.

ravencajun - thank you for that idea! I hadn't considered window boxes. But will any flower work in this area where it gets zero sun? We tried flowers on our previous shaded porch and they never worked for long.

Oh, I would love a porch like that! Lucky you.

Yes, hanging baskets would be wonderful.

If you do flower boxes, I would suggest doing what raven said-keep the plants in pots that you can change out when they start looking bad. You could even have some you trade in and out from a spot with more sun.

You could try begonias interspersed with foliage plants like caladium and coleus. I just ordered from Rosy Dawn Gardens-they have some really interesting coleus. Can't comment on their quality yet since my order hasn't arrived, but here is a link-so many colors and patterns-can't wait to get mine!

coleus

You can Google for shade loving flowers and pinterest is a good source.

https://www.pinterest.com/amp/pin/332492384978297032/

Just one more note concerning geranium. I am not sure if Raven is referring to the hardy geranium/cranesbill or pelargonium which is what many think of when they hear the term geranium. Hardy geraniums can take a fair amount of shade (part shade) and are perennial here., but the pelargonium are full sun plants and I believe that is true everywhere. They are also considered annuals, although they can be over-wintered inside.

coleus and caladiums do well in shade in south texas ferns are really messy and require lots of sweeping, but they are gorgeous

Vining geraniums will work beautifully in four hanging baskets. Try to devise a bracket that extends a bit out past the porch floor for dripping. I used a purchased wrought iron curved hook bolted to a short steel plate which is as then bolted to the header between the posts. Then I used swivel hooks so the plants turn with the breeze. This helps them from getting lopsided. I'll try to get a picture.

Such a beautiful home! You might also consider a raised planter under the two small windows.

Thanks everyone! You've given me some good ideas and it sounds like a few options might work. My goals are to bring some color in either with just green plants or hopefully some of these flowers you mentioned will work. I also want to fill in the area under the window so I like the raised planter idea. If flowers won't work, maybe some colorful planters with just green will work too. Hard to tell from the pic, but our front door is a bright blue so anything I do needs to coordinate with that.

Thanks for tip about ferns being messy and to extend the hooks. I wouldn't have thought of that!

It's the Boston ferns that drop leaves and are messy. That's one of the reasons I prefer Asparagus Ferns (although not technically ferns).