We lucked out with some really nice warm weather recently and took full advantage to knock out a to-do list of outdoor chores. The landscaping was cleaned up, trimmed back, and prepped for winter. The entire house was washed. All the outdoor furniture was cleaned and covered until next spring, and I even crossed a few indoor chores off the list before the busyness of the holidays arrive. 

Here are the top tasks you’ll want to complete for your home before the cold weather sets in:

FALL CLEANING CHECKLIST:

– download printable checklist here –

YOU MIGHT NEED:

1. I have this lawnmower cover, this grill cover, this deep sofa cover (currently 20% off), and this outdoor dining table cover (currently 22% off with an additional coupon available).
2. This leaf blower with a rechargeable battery clears all the leaves off my deck and grass clippings off my sidewalks. 
3. This hedge trimmer runs off the same rechargeable battery as the leaf blower, which is super convenient. I have multiple batteries so I can always keep one or two charging while I work.

WINDOW CLEANING TIPS:

This is the method I use, and it works like a charm. 

1. Check to make sure all windows are tightly closed and locked. Mix 1-2 tablespoons dish soap in a bucket of warm water. 
2. Spray the exterior of the window with a hose to wet the surface. Use a mop (I have this one) to scrub the window with the dish soap mixture. This will get all the dirt and grime off the glass. Spray the window again to rinse off the soap.
3. Mix white vinegar with water (around a 1:4 ratio) in a spray bottle. Spray the window with the vinegar solution, and use a squeegee to remove the liquid, wiping the tool on a lint free cloth as needed.

When you tackle the checklist, tag me on Instagram @lizlovegrowswild so we can all keep each other motivated to finish!

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!

STAY CONNECTED:

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The post Fall Cleaning Checklist appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, it’s the perfect time to embrace the beauty of autumn, turn up your curb appeal, and transform your porch into a warm invitation for guests. 

Confession: Many years in the past, I’ve spent way too much money filling my front porch with fresh mums and boatloads of beautiful pumpkins – especially the light pastel varieties with soft green, blue, and peach coloring. 

Fast forward a month or two and everything is dead or dying, and I’m bummed about spending all that money that goes to waste. 

SHOP FALL WREATHS & DOORMATS:

This year I only want to invest in fall porch decor I can use year after year, and the two easiest ways to do that are wreaths & doormats. I’ve paired 10 different wreath & doormat combinations to help get some ideas flowing, but really any of these could be used together. I hope this helps inspire you to create the coziest entrance to your home that can be enjoyed for months and years to come, and I’d love to see photos of your front porches all dressed up for the season!

wreath | doormat

wreath | doormat

wreath | doormat

wreath | doormat

wreath | doormat

wreath | doormat

wreath | doormat

wreath | doormat

wreath | doormat

wreath | doormat

Look how little Lady was this year…

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!

STAY CONNECTED:

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The post 10 Simple Ways to Decorate Your Porch for Fall appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

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!

STAY CONNECTED:

Our Store: Grow + Gather
Shop my Posts | Shop my Amazon Store
Join our Community | Follow on Instagram 
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The post Best Outdoor Watering Cans appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

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

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!

STAY CONNECTED:

Our Store: Grow + Gather
Shop my Posts | Shop my Amazon Store
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The post Pots and Planters I’m Loving Right Now appeared first on Love Grows Wild.

As I browsed the aisles, I literally took screenshots on my phone of all the pieces I wanted to show you, so today you also get a curated collection of my top At Home picks that you can buy in-store or online.

Let’s go shopping!

The first thing I saw the second I walked in the door was all kinds of stunningly beautiful outdoor water fountains. I’m talking fountains that look like stone with interesting organic silhouettes and even one that looked like a large antique vase. In the end, I narrowed down my options and went back for the first one I laid my eyes on – this 2-tier double bowl concrete fountain. Holy smokes, am I in love with how much peace and serenity this added to our little outdoor space. 

Not one of the most exciting things I bought, but this dust pan set (I also got the matching broom) with a pretty bamboo wood handle will definitely make cleaning a little more enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing. They also cost the same as a bright yellow plastic one you’d pick up at the home improvement store, so why not get the pretty ones for your daily chores? I have mine hanging up in our pantry area. 

The majority of the shopping budget went to outdoor items – At Home is the best place to shop for outdoor things like pots, furniture, rugs, and umbrellas. But I couldn’t resist a stroll through the decor aisle and found a marble bookend that reminded me of a globe or the finial on a curtain rod. I love how it looks against the black bookshelf here. 

And last but not least… Do you remember a few weeks ago when I got the new planters made out of recycled rubber for my front porch and mentioned I wanted some kind of sculpture or statue to bring a little bit of personality to our kind of plain black and white house?

I found what I was looking for. They had a ton of fun statues like dogs, gnomes, horses, even a hippo – and these gorgeous, regal lions. I did some reading, and lion statues are believed to bring good fortune and peace by Buddhists and power and prestige in Italy. I personally like to thing of these lions as a symbol of protection and family strength, and when I found them for under a hundred dollars each ($99 on sale for $69!) they immediately went in my cart.

I’ll be sharing some behind-the-scenes video of our shopping trip on Instagram, so make sure you’re following us there!

New Finds from At Home

CLICK PHOTOS TO SHOP

CLICK PHOTOS TO SHOP

CLICK PHOTOS TO SHOP

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!

STAY CONNECTED:

Our Store: Grow + Gather
Shop my Posts | Shop my Amazon Store
Join our Community | Follow on Instagram 
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The post New Finds: At Home appeared first on Love Grows Wild.