Organizing and Garden Dreaming in January

Welcome to this week’s edition of Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. This is where I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what to look forward to on the blog, and the inspiration I’ve found throughout the week.

Welcome back!

Thank you so much for joining me here each week. I always love sharing our sweet old cottage and gardens with you. January may be a slower month, not quite as exciting as the buzz of spring, summer, or fall, but I love its quieter pace. It’s the perfect time for dreaming, planning, and setting the tone for the year ahead.

The California Wildfires

It’s impossible to see the news about the fires in California this week without feeling a deep sense of heartbreak. So many families are experiencing unimaginable loss—losing their homes, their sense of safety, and pieces of their lives they’ll never get back.

I have such a special place in my heart for California. It’s where I grew up, and so many of my childhood memories are tied to it. To see places I’ve known and loved facing such devastation feels surreal and deeply personal.

What’s even more heartbreaking is thinking about the people affected—how overwhelming it must feel to face this uncertainty and loss. My heart goes out to everyone in these communities.

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Around Our Beach Cottage

Did you know January 14th is National Organize Your Home Day? I decided to get a little head start and have been busy purging and organizing closets, cupboards, and drawers this past week.

It feels so refreshing to start the year with a clean slate, especially knowing the gardening season is just around the corner.

After taking down my Christmas decorations, I’ve been focusing more on cleaning than decorating. I’ll admit the house feels a bit bare, but there’s something nice about the simplicity.

I did pick up a new rug at HomeGoods, though, and of course, what’s winter without bringing a big tree branch inside and draping it with fairy lights? Are you with me?

We’re in the process of making a bigger island for the kitchen. I’m hoping it will be finished by the end of the month. I’ll keep you posted.

My friend Lori brought over some forsythia branches to force bloom. The cheerful yellow flowers are just starting to open, and it’s such a wonderful preview of spring. Isn’t it amazing how something so simple can brighten up a room?

Above is a picture from last winter with more forsythia branches. They look so amazing in full bloom!

How to Force Spring-Flowering Branches to Bloom Indoors

Are you longing for spring and all the fabulous flowers that come with it? Read my post, and I’ll show you how easy it is to force flowering branches to bloom indoors so you can enjoy an “early breath of spring.”

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

We have had some gorgeous weather lately, which has made me want to spend more time outside! I took these pictures yesterday to give you an idea of what the garden looks like right now.

There’s not much to look at, but I am getting so excited to be out here again, or at least in the greenhouse.

Are you getting into the gardening spirit like I am? I’m always giddy after the holidays with all the garden planning and seed shopping!

Most of this year’s flower seeds are in my hot little hands!

I’m working on a blog post this week about the flowers I’ll be growing this year and some of my favorites from past seasons. I’ll give you a little sneak peek: there will be plenty of zinnias, sunflowers, and a mix of veggies tucked into the flower beds.

And yes, there will absolutely be a pumpkin patch again this year!

Seeing little signs of life returning to the garden is fun.

The sedum autumn joy plants are starting to peek through the soil. Above them are black-eyed Susans. There’s a section above that where the daylilies are showing. They are one of the first perennials in my garden this early in the year.

We never really got a hard frost this winter, so plants like pansies are waking up much faster than usual. I was really surprised to see a few black-eyed Susans growing in January. They don’t look very healthy, but at least they’re trying.

Here’s a look at the greenhouse. The rugs are on the floor to cover the slats and keep the heat in as much as possible.

The temperature-controlled thermostat is set at 45°F for the next few months to keep the overwintering geraniums warm and happy.

We’ve also started many geranium cuttings from the parent plants, and they’re all looking really good. Soon, they’ll share this space with sweet peas and snapdragon seedlings.

We’ve been constantly watching the hummingbird feeder right outside the kitchen window. The food is replenished at least once a week, if not more.

The hummingbirds give us a fantastic show every day. They are so hungry this time of year.

My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

• Sluggo for the slugs and snails
• Liquid Fence for the deer and rabbits
• Neem oil and insecticidal soap for pests
• Garden gloves
• Garden journal for taking notes for next year’s garden
• Pruning shears

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” — Edith Sitwell

Do You Want to Grow a Cut Flower Garden This Year?

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Better yet, purchase the value bundle and save $7 off!

Gardening Made Simple – Your Guide to Growing a Cut Flower Garden

This Week’s Blog Posts

The Top10 Blog Posts of 2024: A Year of Gardening Inspiration

Hey, fellow plant lovers! As we wrap up another fabulous year of growing our gardens, I thought looking back at the year’s top 10 garden blog posts would be fun…CONTINUE READING.

What Supplies You’ll Need to Start a Cut Flower Garden By Seed

Want to kickstart your gardening journey this year by growing your flowers from seed? I’m here to simplify the process by compiling a list of supplies you’ll need to start sowing your seeds indoors…CONTINUE READING.

My Warm & Cozy Winter Cottage Tips and Tour

Do you struggle with what to do between the time you take down your holiday decor and springtime? Let me take you on a little winter tour of our cottage living room and kitchen and give you some winter decor tips on keeping warm and cozy during this transition…CONTINUE READING.

How To Build a Charming DIY Faux Fireplace Mantel Surround

Want to bring some cozy vibes into your space without the hassle of a real fireplace? Creating a faux fireplace mantel surround is a great way to add warmth and character to any room. This weekend DIY project can transform an ordinary space into a great focal point with the charm and coziness of a traditional fireplace…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

This ‘Feel Better, Get Better, I Care About you Box’ is the most thoughtful gift for any situation.

This is such a charming countryside villa in Sweden.

Learn how to age and style terra cotta pots.

This Marble Falls Home from designer Marie Flanagan is gorgeous.

I can’t wait to try this perfect winter dinner before the end of the month. It’s quick, easy, and looks delicious!

I’m loving these tips for decorating a cozy winter bedroom retreat on a budget.

Learn how to grow paperwhites indoors and use them in your winter decor.

This Jenny Martin Design project is gorgeous.

Check out these 5 easy Valentine wreaths with DIY paper roses & Dollar Tree frames.

Thank you for being here.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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