When you want to improve your home’s curb appeal, think outside the mailbox.

There’s nothing attractive about a rusted, paint-peeling mailbox.

There is something attractive, however, about a mailbox that’s been decorated for the different seasons.

Creative Mailbox Planters made in Missouri help you create mailbox vignettes that will entertain trick-or-treaters and celebrate other special occasions.

The planter simply slips over a standard black galvanized steel rural mailbox, which costs about $15 at stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace and True Value hardware, and Walmart.

The planters are crafted in a high-density polyethylene with fade-resistant protection and drainage holes for plants.

Faux and dried plant material can also be used in the planter; fill the planter with weatherproof plastic foam and insert the stems.

Each planter includes a helpful sheet of tips on how to plant and maintain your planter. Suggestions for flowering combinations are also provided.

“We do recommend the homeowner give their planter a final finish with a paint of their choosing for each cleaning at the end of the season,” says Teresa Monares, a company spokesperson.

“A simple cleaning with a warm solution of mild soap will do the job.”

The planters, priced at $79.95 with free shipping, are available at www.creativemailboxplanters .com.