Saltwater Sounds: Celebrating Summer Blooms

Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what’s to come, and the inspiration I’ve found from other bloggers around the web.

This and That

It’s been a fun-filled week with the 4th of July holiday and the garden bursting with summer blooms.

I have plenty to show you this week, including the many flowers growing in the garden I promised to share last week. I’ve also added a few fun items to the weekly Saltwater Sounds post, including answers to garden questions I’m asked each week and a flower of the week.

I will also share a new garden freebie with you next week, so stay tuned!

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Our 4th of July parade party was a lot of fun.

I did take a few pictures of the outdoor garden decor.

Each year, I have the best intentions. I was planning on taking pictures of the deck decor and table set-ups, but my guests arrived before I could take any.

So I’ll try again next year.

My hubby and I made eight quiches and breakfast potatoes. My friends generously brought scones, cornbread muffins, and strawberries.

The mimosa and Bloody Mary bars were a hit.

Ollie needed a nap after the festivities.

Speaking of Ollie, he’s a tease.

I’ve been growing snap peas since my mini dachshund, Lucy, begged for them every time we went to the garden. Then Jax came along and loved these crunchy veggie treats just as much.

Ollie, on the other hand, is not a fan. But he will take one to torment Jax with. He lays there with the pea in front of him while Jax goes a bit crazy.

The weather will be in the low nineties for the next few days, which is really unusual for us here in the Seattle area. So, I set up the shade cloth for the sweet peas. They just started blooming, and I’m not sure they will survive this heat wave.

The pansies are also on their way out for the summer.

Do you remember the area next to the new pavers where we added soil and grass seed? It’s close to being filled in now.

“The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway”. Michael Pollan

What’s Blooming in the Garden

There’s lots to see in the cut flower and cottage gardens. Let’s go!

My sensitive sweet peas are looking beautiful right now.

I’m crossing my fingers that these fragrant blooms will last a few more weeks with this heat. I will try to get out in the garden early in the morning to cut as many as possible to take inside and enjoy.

Who loves gladiolus as much as I do? This purple variety is my favorite.

Remember when I told you I have six varieties of zinnias growing in the garden this year? They’re all beautiful and blooming, but they still have quite a way to go. They’re still on the short side.

The State Fair Gold Medal and Lilliput zinnias are bright and bold.

Victorian Wedding and Precious Metals from Floret Flowers are more pastel.

The green zinnias above are “Envy”.

Yellow roses are in full bloom.

A few sunflowers have bloomed already. Most are yellow.

But there is the beautiful sunflower that came from last year’s seeds.

It’s a gorgeous color!

I usually grow the Sherbet-toned Chantilly Mix snapdragons, but I tried the “Orange Wonder” variety this year.

I’m loving the apricot and scarlet strawflowers.

This spider flower is a new choice for the cut flower garden.

This year’s cosmos is “Sea Shells Blend”.

Here’s a look at the hydrangeas.

The summer alliums are getting ready!

My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

From the Blog

19 Ways to Protect Your Garden From Extreme Heat

Do you worry about what a sudden summer heatwave could do to your garden? In this post, I share how to protect your garden from extreme heat and lower the stress on your favorite flowers… CONTINUE READING.

4 Easy Ways to Propagate Lavender Plants – A Step-By-Step Guide

Did you know you can create new lavender starts from your existing plant? Follow along as I share 4 easy ways to propagate lavender cuttings with step-by-step instructions… CONTINUE READING.

Flower of the Week

The flower of the week is one of my favorites! Zinnias are an amazing cut flower for so many reasons.

For more zinnia gardening tips, read my blog post, “How to Grow Beautiful Zinnias Indoors From Seed.”

Gardening Question of the Week

How Often Should I Water My Succulents?

A: Succulents should generally be watered once every 1-2 weeks, but the exact frequency can vary based on several factors.

In the spring and summer seasons, water more frequently, about once a week, as succulents are actively growing and require more moisture.

In hot and dry climates, succulents may need more frequent watering due to faster evaporation. Water every 1-2 weeks. In cool and humid climates, succulents will require less frequent watering. Water every 2-3 weeks.

Gardening Tip of the Week

Add mulch to garden beds to retain soil moisture.

One of the primary benefits of mulching is its ability to conserve moisture in the garden soil.

As a protective barrier, mulch reduces water evaporation from the soil surface, preventing water loss during the hot summer.

Wood chips, grass clippings, pine needles, or dry straw are excellent organic mulch materials that can help effectively retain soil moisture.

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My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Try this effortless marinated burrata recipe.

You’ll want to see this eclectic remodel.

Here’s a DIY project for all the flower lovers.

You’ll love this easy cast iron triple berry crisp recipe.

This project from the House Seven Design portfolio is gorgeous.

Try this refreshing Lavender Limeade drink this summer.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let me know what you’d like to see on the blog! Thank you for being here.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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