Lawnaments Weekly Roundup: Holiday Cheer in Esquimalt and the Rise of the Porch Goose

This week's roundup highlights Esquimalt's enchanting holiday display by Garfield Ostrander and the return of the beloved porch goose trend, celebrating community spirit and festive creativity.

Lawnaments Weekly Roundup: Holiday Cheer and Lawn Goose Trends

As the festive season brightens up our days, communities across the nation are rallying around traditions, cherished decorations, and backyard spectacles. This week, we explore a local legend of holiday spirit in Esquimalt and a delightful lawn ornament trend that has captivated homeowners.

Esquimalt’s Holiday Wonderland

Since the early 1990s, Garfield Ostrander has transformed his home in Esquimalt, BC, into a dazzling holiday wonderland. What started as a modest display of holiday lawn ornaments has blossomed into a spectacular showcase that attracts thousands of visitors each year. As Garfield puts it, “It just grew and grew and grew and… grew.”

From Santas to Grinches, snowmen to a colorful octopus in a pear tree, visitors at 783 Hutchinson Rd can expect to find an array of charming decorations that light up the night sky. Garfield doesn’t keep a count of his vast collection, stating, “I’ve never kept track; it’s impossible.” His elaborate setup requires considerable power, with about 25 to 30 dedicated circuits at work to keep everything running smoothly.

Esquimalt’s dazzling holiday display attracts thousands.

Garfield dedicates his time year-round to maintaining this breathtaking display, balancing it with his painting business, Garfield & Sons Painting. Each season, he adds new decorations while sharing homemade candy canes with excited visitors. The joy he brings to the community stems from cherished memories of Christmases past, reminding him of his childhood in Windsor, Ontario.

In his own words, “It brings hope, happiness and gets people feeling good. It’s great for everybody, not just me.” Amid rumors that this might be his last year, Garfield assures fans that he intends to continue spreading holiday cheer for years to come, much to the delight of local families, some of whom have made visiting an annual tradition.

The Return of the Porch Goose

In other festive news, a quirky garden ornament is back in style: the beloved porch goose. Once a staple of front yards, these charming concrete or plastic statues are making a resurgence, inviting homeowners to indulge their creativity.

Whether through vintage finds or new purchases, many are eager to bring the porch goose back into the spotlight. Retailers like Gaggleville offer an array of options, including the Fox Valley Traders Gaggleville Porch Goose for $29.99.

Porch geese are making a comeback with many outfit options.

These quirky birds can be dressed up in various outfits, from floral dresses to sports jerseys, adding a playful touch to yards. DIY enthusiasts are also getting involved, creating custom costumes from fabric or even upcycled materials like old towels. The possibilities are endless for those looking to make a unique statement.

To keep these charming statues looking their best, homeowners are advised to protect outdoor geese from moisture and regularly refresh their paint.

As 2024 unfolds, communities are becoming pillars of support and joy, much like the cherished outdoor displays and decorations that bring them together. If you have a porch goose or a holiday display that you’re proud of, share your stories with us!

Remember, in a world that can often feel chaotic, these festive traditions and quirky lawn ornaments remind us of the simple joys in life. As Garfield observes, “It’s great for everybody, not just me.” Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive and thriving!