Summer Archives - Love Grows Wild

Best Outdoor Watering Cans

Liz Fourez — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 08:00:05 +0000

I have to admit, I’m a bit of a product testing junkie, and I love researching the best quality products for our homes. Whether it’s a high-end kitchen appliance or a humble set of measuring spoons, I read dozens of reviews and collect personal recommendations from all of you to find the “best of the best” for every product category. It’s like being a detective, but instead of solving crimes – I’m on a mission to uncover the perfect tools, decor, organizers, and more for our homes.

In our latest product testing endeavor, we tackled a simple yet vital tool for all gardening enthusiasts out there: Outdoor Watering Cans.

It’s the season of nurturing our beloved plants and gardens, and I’m willing to bet that almost every single household out there either has a trusty watering can or is actively seeking an upgrade. So, we took it upon ourselves to purchase and test seven of the top recommended outdoor watering cans in the market. We meticulously rated them on several vital factors, including water capacity, comfortability, ease of filling, leakage, and water flow.

Below you’ll find our top picks that emerged victorious in all those categories, and I’ll also reveal three watering cans that didn’t quite make the cut. We’re all about keeping it real with transparency and honesty here so we can help each other make informed decisions about our homes!

WHAT WE LOOKED FOR:

water capacity
handle comfort
ease of filling
leakage
speed, size, and strength of water flow
material and durability

BEST OVERALL

Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can

Our Rating: 4.75/5

The largest of all we tested, this watering can has the greatest water capacity so you can refill less often. A hinged handle allows for the most comfortable pouring angle and less stress on your wrists. The water spout has a very wide and heavy water flow, which will cover large areas like flower and garden beds quickly, but it may be a little harsh on delicate blooms. The spout also rotates to give you a heavy stream, although I didn’t find myself using this feature very often. The filling hole is on the side for easy access, and the top handle that hinges down makes filling even more convenient. The plastic feels thick and durable, and the only real downside is the weight of the can when it’s completely full. But fewer trips back to the spigot makes it an even trade-off.

View on Amazon: $32.95 – on sale for $27.86
View on Lowes: $21.38
View on Walmart: $36.80

Pros:

Dual handle design with one hinged handle for easy pouring, movability and less stress on your wrists
Holds the largest amount of water at 2.6 gallons
Wide, heavy water flow will cover large areas quickly
Adjustable, removable water spout rotates to offer a light shower or heavy stream depending on the needs of the plant
Thick wall structure for durability
Filling hole is on the side so handles don’t get in the way
BPA free and UV stabilized

Cons:

Larger water capacity makes it heavy to hold when filled
Heavy water flow may be too hard on delicate flowers

Capacity: 2.6 gallons | Dimensions: 9.75 x 19.75 x 15.25 inches | Material: 100% UV stabilized polypropylene plastic

BEST LOOKING

Hortican Watering Can

Our Rating: 4.5/5

This wasn’t my top pick as far as features and functionality, but it certainly wins the award for best looking watering can. The metal feels higher quality than the copper watering can we tried, and the handles are comfortable and sturdy. The design is obviously more chic than any of the plastic options, and I love the white and wood combo, although they do offer other colors and finishes as well. It may not have all the features the Bloem watering can has, but it performed well in our testing with ease of filling, no leaks, and an even water flow. It’s also much less heavy than the Bloem since it’s only 1 gallon. The only downsides to this can is the holes are larger in the spout, allowing a heavier water flow that could be harsh on delicate flowers. And it’s also the priciest watering can on the list. But if you like having gardening tools that are pretty enough to leave out on display, this is definitely the one I would pick.

View on Amazon: $49.99 – on sale for $34.99

Pros:

Made with high-quality and corrosion-resistance metal
Ergonomic handle that is comfortable to hold and ensures a secure grip
Stylish design makes this a great multi-purpose gardening tool to also decorate with
1 gallon capacity makes it lighter to hold than larger watering cans
Large opening is easy to fill
Spillage protection on top of the can

Cons:

Larger holes in spout allow a heavier water flow and might be hard on delicate flowers
More pricey

Capacity: 1 gallon | Dimensions: 14″D x 13″W x 8″H | Material: alloy steel

BEST FOR DELICATE FLOWERS

Resllyele Watering Can

Our Rating: 4.5/5

I didn’t originally have very high hopes for this model, due to the odd shape and spout that came in multiple pieces. But it more than redeemed itself from my initial impression, and I love using this watering can for all the more delicate flowers in my container gardens on the deck. The spout head can be pointed up or down, and all the tiny holes create the softest, most gentle and even water flow. Think of a soft sprinkle instead of a heavy downpour. I was worried the multi-piece spout assembly would create more opportunity for leaks, but I didn’t see any, other than a tiny bit of pooling around the lip of the spout head. The benefit of having such a long spout arm is it can get to more hard-to-reach areas, but you can still disassemble during the winter store it more compact. One thing I really like that is different than any of the other watering cans is that the filling hole area is raised quite a bit from the rest of the can, so it’s much less likely to slosh around and spill while I carry it. It’s also very affordable! The only complaints I have is that the spout head doesn’t fit very securely on the spout arm and could possibly fall off and become lost, and the filling hole isn’t very wide.

View on Amazon: $20.99 – on sale for $13.85 with coupon

Pros:

Made of thickened PE resin that is anti-drop and pressure-resistant
2 o-rings to prevent water leakage
Removable spout head allows you to water larger plants with a water column
Spout head also rotates so you can sprinkle upwards or down
Tiny hole size on the spout creates the softest, most gentle and even water flow, perfect for delicate flowers
Long, removable spout that easily gets to hard-to-reach areas, but can be stored more compact over the winter
1 gallon capacity makes it lighter to hold than larger watering cans
Filling hole is raised, which keeps water from spilling out while transporting

Cons:

The opening to fill with water isn’t as large or convenient as other watering cans
The head doesn’t fit very securely on the spout and feels like it could fall off easily

Capacity: 1 gallon | Dimensions: check | Material: PE resin

RUNNER UP

Gegemaoyi Watering Can

Our Rating: 3.5/5

This watering can sits right in between the yes’s and the no’s. It does the job, is compact, and affordable, but it’s not the best quality or design. I did like the wide, even water flow and that it was very lightweight. But the plastic doesn’t seem as thick or durable as others, and this was probably the worst one to try to fill since the hole is directly under the handle. Aside from quality and features, it does come in some really pretty colors like navy blue, teal, and turquoise!

View on Amazon: $18.99 – get 15% off with coupon

Pros:

Removable sprinkler head
Wide, even water flow to cover large areas quickly
1 gallon capacity makes it lighter to hold than larger watering cans

Cons:

Opening is directly under the handle and very hard to fill
Water can spill from opening when can is full
Plastic is not as thick as others

Capacity: 1 gallon | Dimensions: 15 x 11.54 x 5.55 inches | Material: plastic

DIDN’T MAKE THE CUT:

Novelty Deluxe Watering Can

Our Rating: 3/5

We really wanted to like this one. The plastic is thick and feels very durable. It has holes on both sides of the handle, so filling is pretty easy. And this watering can had one thing none of the others did – measurements on the side, which comes in handy when mixing things like plant food in with the water. However, the water flow was very heavy and messy, and it spilled more than any other when full.

View on Amazon: $18.40
View on Walmart: $17.05

Homarden Copper Color Watering Can

Our Rating: 2/5

While this watering can looks beautiful and also comes in other fun colors like mint green, it did not perform well in our testing. The water flow was uneven and messy, and it leaked around the shower head. Overall it felt cheap, even though it “looks” like a high-end copper watering can.

View on Amazon: $47.99 – on sale for $36.99 + you can use a coupon for 25% off
View on Target: $49.99 – on sale for $40.09

Tennedriv Watering Can

Our Rating: 1.5/5

The lowest ranking on our list, this watering can holds the least amount of water (only a 1/2 gallon) and leaked at the spout. There were a few things it had going for it – the plastic is thick and feels durable and the spout has tiny holes that produce a soft, gentle water flow. If you wanted to use this indoors for just a house plant and didn’t need the shower head, this would actually be a pretty good option due to its size. But as far as outdoor use, it’s a no for us.

View on Amazon: $22.99 – on sale for $13.99

I plan on sharing more of these product reviews in the future and hope you found this helpful!

Let me know:

Which watering can you end up getting and what you think
What you’d like me to review next!

As always, I sincerely appreciate you shopping through the links I share, which allows me to make a small commission from your purchase while your purchase price remains the same. When you use my affiliate links, I’m better able to create content for this blog as well as support my family, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting what I do!

The post Best Outdoor Watering Cans appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

Pots and Planters I’m Loving Right Now

Liz Fourez — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:48:06 +0000

Watering my flowers every evening is probably my favorite part of the day right now. I let the dogs run off some energy, decompress from work, and check on all my plant babies. Last year I got this pretty potting bench to give me a little work station and help keep some of my gardening tools together. It’s so helpful when I’m planting all the little container gardens I use to create my summer oasis on the deck, and now that all the planting is done for the year (I think), I finally got around to making the potting bench pretty too.

I wanted to share some photos I snapped the other day that might give you some inspiration for your garden and outdoor living areas. Depending on the material, most pots tend to need replaced every so many years, and I added a couple really pretty ones to my collection this summer. Below you can find over 50 of my favorite pots and planters I’m loving right now – shop now or save this post for next spring when it’s planting season!

I will give a quick rundown of everything I used, although the majority of it I’ve had for years. You can click the images below to shop, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask! The gray metal cage is a Grow + Gather item (sold out, unfortunately). The black urn planter and woven basket are both very old, and I have no idea where they came from.

POTS + PLANTERS WE LOVE

The post Pots and Planters I’m Loving Right Now appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

6 Steps to Create a New Flower Bed

Liz Fourez — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:55:18 +0000

Transform your yard by creating a beautiful new flower bed with this easy-to-follow tutorial. In just 6 simple steps, you’ll learn everything from choosing the perfect location to preparing the soil for planting. Grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get started!

In our backyard, we have a small patch of grass between the deck and patio that has been a trouble spot ever since the deck was built. It’s hard to mow such a tiny area, and there is so much foot traffic here between us and the dogs that the grass is getting more and more bare each year. This spring I had a vision of flower beds lining the perimeter with large organic-shaped stepping stones leading out to the yard, and I wanted to show you the progress over the last few weeks.

I know tearing up your lawn to create something from scratch can be a daunting project, but I’ve found a few tips and tools that make it fairly simple and totally doable without having to fork out a ton of money to a landscaper. I believe in you!

CHOOSING A LOCATION

There are two main things to consider when deciding where to create a new flower bed or garden – sunlight and proximity to a water source. Most plants and flowers require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, so you’ll want to choose an area that gets plenty of sun throughout the day. If the area you want to work on is part or mostly shade, there are plants that don’t require as much light, but the options are definitely limited compared to full sun. Also, make sure you have a hose long enough to reach the area because your new plants will need to be watered frequently until they get established.

CREATING A NEW FLOWER BED

SUPPLIES:

edger tool
round point shovel
hose with sprayer attachment
hand tiller or electric tiller
plants
mulch

STEP 1:

Plan the layout of your bed, and mark the border with twine/stakes, spray paint, or a hose. Curved borders can help accent existing structures and landscape, but make your curves subtle enough to easily mow around. I may have made mine too curvy, but we will see how mowing goes this summer and make needed adjustments next spring.

STEP 2:

Cut the border of your bed with a straight edge perpendicular to the ground. This is where a half-moon edger tool comes in handy to easily cut through grass and roots. Push the edger straight down into the soil along your border and rock back and forth to create a sharp edge. If the ground is dry and hard, spray water over the area about an hour before you plan to start digging. This will help soften the soil, but if you water it too much, you’ll end up working with mud.

Next, stand inside the flower bed and use a shovel to dig at a 45º angle towards the cut edge. This will create a trench just inside the border – remove the chunk of sod and set aside.

STEP 3:

Remove the remaining grass from the flower bed with a shovel, making sure to dig deep enough to remove all the roots. There are alternative methods for killing the grass that are less labor-intensive, but they take time to work – sometimes weeks or even months. Removing the sod manually is the only way to complete this project in a day.

STEP 4:

Till and loosen the soil 8-12″ deep to prepare for planting. Add organic matter such as compost, manure, or peat moss for better nutrients and drainage, and work it into the soil. You can use a hand tilling tool (great for small areas such as borders) or an electric tiller that can quickly work a large flower bed.

Optional step: Install weed barrier and add edging material, if desired. I did neither.

STEP 5:

Add plants to your freshly tilled flower bed that correspond with the amount of sunlight you determined for this location earlier. Perennials will continue to grow year after year and are best for creating larger foundational parts of your flower bed. Annuals will need to be planted each spring and can add some variety to your flower bed as it fills in. Typically the perennials you plant will be small the first few years until they grow into maturity. Annuals are a great way to fill in any bare spots, but won’t overcrowd your flower bed long term. Pay attention to the heights of your plants, and place the tallest ones in the back of your flower bed. Be sure to include some kind of low, mounding ground cover that will eventually fill in the space between your larger plants.

STEP 6:

Add 2-3 inches of mulch on top of the soil all around your plants to help them retain moisture and protect them from harsh heat. This also helps with erosion that can happen as it rains and as you water your plants throughout the season.

I’m so happy with how this little project turned out and am excited to see these plants grow and fill out in the years to come.

Here is what I planted:

Two types of tall grass – Morning Light Maiden Grass and Piglet Fountain Grass
Two varieties of lavender – Ellagance Purple English Lavender and Early Blue and White English Lavender
Two types of catmint – Whispurr Blue and Walker’s Low
Sweet Summer Hydrangea
Russian Sage
Summer Morning Delphinium
Blue Note Scabiosa

I still need to figure out a stepping stone walkway, but I’m having a hard time finding exactly what I want. That may be a project that waits till later this fall or next spring. All good things take time, and I’m learning to embrace that.

I hope this tutorial is helpful, and I want to see photos of your beautiful new flower beds! Nothing better than a proud plant momma. Tag me on Instagram @lizlovegrowswild

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4 Year Update on Our Outdoor Furniture

Liz Fourez — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:00:48 +0000

It’s hard to believe this summer will be 4 years since the deck was built, and I’m dying for it to warm up enough to get out there and clean, plant flowers, and decorate. I still have almost every piece of outdoor furniture I bought that first year, which is a huge win with the harsh weather conditions these pieces endure throughout the year. The only downside is I can’t share links or sources for 90% of our outdoor furniture because they’ve gone out of stock!

I searched my favorite stores for pieces that are similar to what I have and put them all in today’s blog post to help you spruce up your own outdoor spaces this spring and summer. Everything from our dining furniture and favorite seating to planters, lanterns and more. Just click the items below each photo to shop!

SHOP OUTDOOR DINING FURNITURE: