Your front porch is one of the first things guests see when visiting.
Wow them — and welcome them — with these splashy items that will give your porch just the boost it needs to make it stand out.
Two in one
Save energy and enjoy a lovely basket of blooms — by day or night — with this Gama Sonic hanging basket and solar light ensemble.
The clever and decorative planter has three sturdy chains to keep it firmly in place.
Find it for $49.48 at homedepot.ca.
Gama Sonic hanging basket and solar light ensemble.
Plant appeal
Kiln-fired glazed ceramic at Make it Green Garden Centre.
Add some zing to the front steps with this pretty steel-blue planter. The kiln-fired glazed ceramic is waterproof to withstand the elements and at 40 centimetres tall is a good size for your favourite summer plants. Pick it up for $59.99 at Make it Green Garden Centre, 5200 Flewellyn Rd., Stittsville.
Zen moment
Zen fountain at Rona Home & Garden.
Find serenity and relax while you take in the soothing sounds of lazy flowing water. This eye-catching concrete fountain is 76 centimetres high. Get it for $159 at Rona Home & Garden, 1880 Innes Rd.
Foot friend
Hedgehog mud shoe scraper at Make it Green Garden Centre.
Get a little help clearing mud and dirt from your shoes with this sweet hedgehog mud shoe scraper. Made of clay with hard plastic bristles, this little guy will remove dirt and grime in seconds. Find it at Make it Green Garden Centre, 5200 Flewellyn Rd., for $49.99.
Colour burst
Peacock door mat at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Front door mats don’t have to be dull — give yours a lift with this one from Bed Bath & Beyond at Ottawa Train Yards. The peacock’s vivid plumage will certainly get visitors’ attention. The 40-by-70-centimetre mat ($23.99) is made with a natural fibre that’s durable and weather resistant.
Stylish comfort
The Äpplarö/Hållö outdoor loveseat at IKEA.
A cosy loveseat is a great way to give your porch an inviting feel. Whether cuddling with your sweetie, stretching out with a good book or visiting with a neighbour, the Äpplarö/Hållö outdoor loveseat will welcome all. The wood frame is stained a warm dark brown and topped with crisp white cushions. Find it at IKEA, at the Pinecrest mall, for $340.
No-fuss gardening
Artificial plant in a sturdy planter from HomeSense.
No green thumb? No problem. If you’re a non-gardener, this is the planter for you. Guests will never suspect this lovely broad-leafed plant is not the real deal. The 40-centimetre-tall planter is made of hard, durable plastic. Display it on its own or pair it with a larger version. Find them both at HomeSense, 1703 Merivale Rd., for $79.99 and $99.99.
Welcome glow
LED candle lantern at Home Hardware.
Get a candle effect with a flick of the switch to set the mood with this LED candle lantern. Standing 40 centimetres tall, the frame is a durable plastic to withstand outdoor elements and the candles cast a flickering effect that will never melt down. It’s $18.97 at Home Hardware, 1166 Beaverwood Rd., Manotick.
Letter perfect
Cast aluminum mailbox at Lowe’s.
Don’t let an old, weathered mailbox be the first thing guests see when they arrive. Instead, hang this hand-crafted cast aluminum mailbox. It has a pretty ivy design and is protected by a powder-coated paint that won’t rust. Pick it up at Lowe’s, 5577 Hazeldean Rd., for $99.99.
