It really doesn’t take much to make hum drum spots in your landscape / property just a little nicer.  Things like mailboxes, utility boxes, utility hookups and the like can all be softened, hidden or enhanced by the simple addition of the right plant materials.  There is no absolute right or wrong except perhaps doing nothing.  So take it as an opportunity to experiment a bit just as is done at this mailbox.  This rural mailbox has coneflowers and ornamental grass.  These plants can handle the tough site conditions along a gravel road and with snow loads – there’s no problem since perennials start from the ground up every spring – unlike some shrubs which may be damaged by a heavy snow load.