What is a Porch Goose? The Story Behind These Quirky Lawn Friends

If you’ve driven through suburbs or peeked at porches in certain neighborhoods, you might have spotted a bright white goose statue dressed in everything from raincoats to sports jerseys. That’s a porch goose, sometimes called a lawn goose or concrete goose. My first encounter with one was online recently and I remember thinking it was hilarious to see a goose all dressed up. For a lot of folks, porch geese are a playful and lighthearted way to decorate their front steps and show off some personality each season.

Most porch geese are made from durable materials like concrete, resin, or heavy plastic. Their main job is to look cute and, in many families, to sport different outfits for holidays or weather changes. People get pretty creative, and you’ll spot outfits for Christmas, Halloween, the Fourth of July, and even special birthdays. Whether your style is classic or totally wild, giving your porch goose a wardrobe keeps things fun and engaging throughout the year. I even saw porch geese dressed up as astronauts, chefs, or garden gnomes, so there’s no limit to what you can come up with if you feel creative.

Porch geese are often more than just kitschy decor. For some, they’ve grown into a symbol of welcome, good luck, or just neighborhood cheer. Im reading of people who swap stories about their geese’s latest costume or even share photos online. They’re not expensive and aren’t trying to be fancy, just a quirky way to brighten the space where you greet guests and neighbors. Some families even give their porch goose a set of traditions, changing the outfits to align with family milestones or local celebrations, and using the goose as a fun mascot that everyone on the block recognizes.

Why “Gaggle Geese”? A Look at Goose Groups and Goose Lingo

The term “gaggle” pops up a lot when people collect porch geese, but it actually comes from the world of real, live geese. When geese are on the ground or floating together on water, a group is called a “gaggle.” When flying together in that famous V formation, the group is called a “skein” or a “wedge.” Goose people love using those words as a playful nod to real bird facts. It’s a way to connect quirky porch fun with a little bit of natural history, making the experience even richer for bird enthusiasts and fans of wordplay alike.

So when someone says they have a “gaggle” of porch geese, they mean they’ve got a whole crew of these decorative birds hanging out on their steps or in their garden. Sometimes, people collect multiple geese, and each one gets its own name and outfit. The fun doubles as you add more geese to your porch or yard, and soon you might find yourself with a mini flock that grows with every yard sale or online deal you stumble across! In some communities, you’ll even hear debates about whether a group of dressed-up geese needs its own special name, spawning friendly competition for clever terms like “a giggle of geese” or “a getup of geese.”

For anyone curious about why they aren’t just called “a bunch of geese,” it’s mostly for fun and tradition. “Gaggle” is more catchy and makes you sound like you know a bit about birds, even if your knowledge ends at plastic ornaments and adorable costumes. It’s all part of the charm that keeps the porch goose community so friendly and inviting. Whether you have one goose or a proper flock, you’ll quickly pick up the lingo and maybe even add your own twist.

Me and My Geese: How My Yard is Becoming Goose Headquarters

It started as an idea with me after seeing a dressed-up goose in a tutu while online. I was curious, and so I did some research. I figured I’d try it myself in my front yard, where we place pumpkins each fall. So I ordered a plain white goose, 23″ of heavy plastic, and a 17″ smaller goose from Amazon. While waiting for them to arrive, I searched some more and quickly learned that clothes for porch geese come in way more styles than I ever expected—think pirates, doctors, sunflowers, or even full rain gear. Of course, I wanted to dress up my own geese when they arrived. So I went shopping online and found that a lady who lives near me makes clothing for Gaggle Geese. I contacted her and she was happy to give me some tips and create costumes for my geese. Before a long, dressing up my new geese was just something Im going to look forward to doing every month. Im now brainstorming what themes to try next.

The funny thing about getting a porch goose is how quickly it turns into a sort of hobby. I’ve read that family members and neighbors might start chipping in with gifts of tiny hats or new outfits, and soon you have lovingly gifted items organized by season. The goose can become a running joke and a simple mood booster for everyone who passes by our place. Im going to keep a scrapbook of past goose outfits, which will be a cool memory.

Neighbors are welcome to stop and take photos and even leave a little note about the newest get-ups. I’ve read that “Yard Geese” aren’t just quirky decorations; they really let you connect with other people and put some personality out there for the world to see. If you’re looking for something low-stress and fun to brighten up your doorway, a porch or yard goose is way more enjoyable than you might expect. And guess what? After one goose, you may cave and get a second (like me)so now it’s officially a gaggle at my place! It’s incredible how a simple porch ornament can spark smiles and conversations that might never happen otherwise.

About Maybelle: The Goose With a Daughter and a Fall Waddle

Image of porch geese, Maybelle and Dandelion

Maybelle is my first yard goose and remains the unofficial “queen of the front yard.” I picked her name because it seemed cheerful and a little vintage, perfectly fitting her personality. Next spring and summer, Maybelle will rock a floral dress and an enormous straw sun hat to make her look ready to plant tomatoes or hand out lemonade. I look forward to finding and ordering more dress-up outfits for my geese in the coming months. Her signature fall look will give our front yard a welcoming, happy vibe that should catch the eye of anyone passing by. and our walking neighbors.

Maybelle will see a lot there in our front yard, lots of curious squirrels and birds (our spring nesting blue birds hopefully), dogs and their walkers, people driving by, wind and rain with thunderstorms, and maybe even snowstorms this winter. Perhaps even a few little grandkids who will give her waves and hellos. I’m sure neighbors will ask about her and check out her seasonal wardrobe. I think she will help set a welcoming tone and let people know that our home doesn’t take itself too seriously. A yard goose with style can set the mood for your whole house, and Maybelle’s presence should inspire me to keep things lighthearted and inviting.

Sometimes, depending on the weather, I will add garden props for Maybelle, like a miniature watering can, a fake basket of lemons, or a set of tiny sunglasses. These little touches may be small, but hopefully they will really add up to create a space that feels full of personality and joy. If you’re into gardening or love little details, adding themed props to your porch or yard goose outfits are a great way to step up the fun! I’m so looking forward to doing so.

I’m including an image of Maybelle and Dandelion, who have received their first cool outfits for their wardrobe. They will love the outdoors, our big rocks, fall pumpkins, and hay bale out front. Maybelle enjoys standing on pine straw and prefers it to a smooth inside floor.

UPDATE: Maybelle and Dandelion are now part of my front yard along with pumpkins and a hay bale. check out these images.

About Dandelion: The Unofficial Goose Sidekick

After Maybelle wore her new outfit, it was just minutes before Dandelion (Maybelle’s little duck daughter) got her own dress and bow. This fall, mom and duckling daughter will show off their matching dresses and bows.

Dandelion is a bit smaller than Maybelle, but still rocks the sweet fall dress and matching bow. I look forward to the process of finding accessories for Dandelion and dreaming up a new world of creativity, as almost anything miniature might work as a prop.

I picked the name Dandelion because she’s cheerful and scatterbrained, just like the flower she’s named after. For now, she sports a lovely fall colored dress alongside Maybelle’s identical outfit. Maybe I can get some help from my neighbors in leaving a few small “props” for Maybelle and Dandelion to hold. This can be a fun neighborhood play.

Tea Time for Maybelle and Dandelion

My next hosted tea party is set for November and while I and my neighbor friends enjoy sipping our tea inside, I plan to have Maybelle and Dandelion have their own “Fall Tea time” in our front yard. I’m looking forward to helping Maybelle plan their “tea”.

If you’re considering expanding your own flock, having more than one porch goose just adds to the fun. You get to try mix and match outfits, or even dress them up for imaginary goose adventures. I hope to keep my gaggle interesting all year long. If you want ideas for your own porch or wonder which goose gear works best, I’m always happy to swap suggestions.

Adding a second goose is a great way to get the family or neighbors involved, since everyone has their own favorites and ideas for costumes.

Porch Geese Resources: Costumes, Care, and Community

Whether you’re totally new to porch geese or already in the middle of a goose wardrobe explosion, there are tons of places to find inspiration, costumes, and fellow goose lovers. Here’s where I’m looking for information on keeping my geese sharp connecting with others along the way. The possibilities are almost endless, whether you’re looking to buy, craft, or just swap stories with other fans.

Where to Buy Porch Geese and Outfits

The classic heavy concrete geese turn up at local garden centers, home improvement stores, and even smaller decor shops, especially in spring and summer. Online, sites like Etsy and Amazon offer geese and a vast range of costumes—from little nurse scrubs to superhero capes. Shopping online also makes it easier to find the right size if you have a more miniature or oversized goose statue, and you can even find reviews to help you avoid outfits that might not fit quite right.

Would you be interested in something unique? Independent creators on platforms like Etsy make many unique outfits, often with seasonal flair or extra cuteness. You can stumble upon new patterns, and I’ve even found people who do custom work if you want your goose outfit to match a real event, like a birthday or your favorite sports team. Tracking down handmade costumes adds an extra special touch and lets you support small makers at the same time.

Gertrude’s Goose Boutique

I was fortunate to find a wonderful local lady who creates the coolest “goose clothing”. What started out as her own special hobby has now turned into an online business and she ships her special “costumes” all over the U.S. If you live near Fayetteville, Arkansas this is a great place to order your goose wardrobe. You can check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576010437492

Goose Care and Maintenance

Porch geese are easy to care for, which is one of the reasons I suggest them for anyone who likes quirky decor but not extra chores. Rain, snow, and sun will eventually fade the colors on painted geese, so giving them a quick clean with soap and water every few months helps keep them looking fresh. I’m going to spray my outdoor geese with a light coat of clear, weather-resistant sealer in the spring and fall to help protect them. If you want to go the extra mile, a Protectant spray (like Scotch guard water and sun) can help shield clothing colors from the sun and rain.

As for costumes, most are machine washable or easy to spot clean. I plan to put mine in a basket in my living room. If you live in a windy spot, adding a bit of Velcro or a simple tie to outfits goes a long way to keep tiny hats from blowing down the street. Being organized with outfit storage (I’ll use gallon zip bags) so I’m ready for the next season or holiday immediately. For long-lasting geese, you can also bring them indoors over winter if your climate is especially harsh, which will help keep them looking new for years.

Concrete geese will stay in one spot, but the plastic geese, like the ones I have, will need some weight inside (like small gravel, sand, or kitty litter).

Connecting with Other Goose Fans

The porch goose community is surprisingly big, and super welcoming! There are social media groups, Instagram hashtags like #PorchGoose, and even Facebook pages where people share goose photos, costume swaps, and funny stories. If you’re into DIY, you’ll find patterns for hand sewing or knitting your costumes—perfect for crafty afternoons with kids or friends.

I’ve even heard of goose “parades” in some neighborhoods and friendly competitions over the best-dressed goose. Some groups host virtual costume contests, holiday challenges, or “goose of the month” features, giving everyone a good excuse to get creative. It’s all pretty wholesome and simple to keep the fun going all year. Whether you connect online or in person, sharing ideas and inspiration with other goose fans makes the experience richer and more fun.

Seasoned goose enthusiasts sometimes post tips and photos of their own unique displays, which can give you fresh ideas for every holiday or weather change. Teaming up with a friend or neighbor can even lead to block-wide themed displays, like matching costumes or a porch-to-porch story that unfolds across the street. Getting to know other goose lovers is half the fun, so don’t be shy about joining the conversation

Goose Links

The Porch Goose Club of America (Facebook)
Porch Goose Lovers America (Facebook)

Goose Clothing

Here are links to some goose clothing on Amazon:

Affiliate Links

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Gaggle Porch Geese Fun Facts And Information