Saltwater Sounds: Bonjour Spring!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, 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.

This week’s Saltwater Sounds is coming to you from Paris—a city that’s every bit as magical as I’d imagined!

I’ve been wandering through charming cobblestone streets, soaking up the beauty of Notre Dame, Versailles, and the Les Tuileries Gardens (one of my absolute must-visit spots for a garden lover like me).

There’s so much to see! Florists line the sidewalks with colorful blooms, and every café feels like the perfect place to sit and soak it all in.

I can’t wait to share this trip’s adventures, photos, and inspiration with you next week! But in the meantime, I wanted to bring you a little spring magic from a past season.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog also contains other affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

A Visit to the Nursery: Spring Flowers & Vintage Garden Finds

Since I’m not in my own garden this week, I thought I’d take you along on a little nursery visit instead.

I really loved spending time here at VanLierop Garden Market a couple of years ago. My friend and I were celebrating her birthday in Sumner, and this was one of our favorite stops.

There’s nothing quite like wandering through a local garden nursery in early spring, surrounded by the first bright blooms of the season, fresh potted herbs, and vintage garden treasures just waiting to find a new home.

I was amazed by all the tulips that hadn’t bloomed yet or had barely started.

Of course, I couldn’t resist the rustic vintage garden decor—old watering cans, weathered urns, and charming wrought iron pieces that add so much character to any outdoor space.

This garden cart was one of my favorites.

These little treasures make a garden feel like an extension of home, filled with stories and history.

It’s the kind of place that sparks so much inspiration, reminding me that even while I’m here in Paris, my heart is always in the garden.

Spring is Officially Here

The countdown is just about over. March 20th marks the first official day of spring! After what feels like the longest winter, I think we’re all ready to welcome longer days, sunshine, and new beginnings in our gardens.

There’s something truly magical about this time of year—the hope, the renewal, the anticipation of flowers blooming and garden beds coming back to life.

Whether you’re planting your first seeds, sprucing up your outdoor spaces, or enjoying the fresh spring air, I hope you take a moment to savor the season’s arrival.

How are you celebrating the first day of spring in your garden? Are you starting to clean up after the winter season or maybe bringing home a special find from the nursery? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments.

“Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.” —Toni Sorenson

Week after week, my thoughts keep circling back to flowers when it comes to spring decorating indoors.

One of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to bring a touch of spring into your home is by picking up a pack of fresh blooms from Costco or your local nursery.

Plant them in your favorite pots, or, for an even quicker option, place the nursery container directly into a decorative pot and tuck moss around the edges to fill any gaps.

The result? A stunning, effortless display that instantly brightens your space!

Cottage Style Seasonal Refresh: Early Spring Home Tour

Are you looking for spring home decor inspiration and ideas now that the season is fast approaching? In this post, I’ll take you on a spring home tour of my kitchen and laundry room while sharing some simple home decor ideas for refreshing a cottage-style home in early spring…CONTINUE READING.

How to Grow Cosmos For Your Cut Flower Garden From Seed Indoors

Have you dreamed of growing a garden full of gorgeous cosmos in your cut flower garden? I’ll share my tips on growing cosmos from seed indoors, how to transplant them into the garden, and much more…CONTINUE READING.

How to Create a Simple DIY Spring Flower Centerpiece Vase Using Cabbage

Are you looking for new and creative ways to bring your spring table to life this year? I’ll show you how the winning combination of flowers and a cabbage vase can create the most charming spring or Easter floral centerpiece… CONTINUE READING.

How to Grow Strawflowers For Your Cut Flower Garden From Seed Indoors

Have you ever seen strawflowers in a flower arrangement? They are such a unique and stunning cut flower. I’ll share my tips on growing strawflowers from seed indoors, transplanting them into the garden, and much more…CONTINUE READING.

How to Prepare Your Cut Flower Garden Bed for the Spring Season

Are you growing a cut flower garden this year? In this post, we’ll walk through the essential steps to wake up your winter garden and how to prepare a flower bed for spring planting…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

I am in love with this Moonlight Cottage! Their screened porch and deck inspired us to consider doing something similar on our own deck.

This kitchen is beautifully refreshed for spring.

Looking for a delicious St. Patrick’s Day meal? How about this easy crockpot Irish beef stew?

Here’s how to make non-slip rugs.

This blueberry sour cream coffee cake recipe looks delicious.

Check out this idyllic Swedish country home.

Yum! You’ll love this homemade herb butter recipe.

Here’s a gorgeous kitchen and dining room.

Try this Meyer lemon cream pie with a twist.

Next Week on Saltwater Sounds

I can’t wait to share more about my Parisian adventures, the beautiful gardens I’ve explored, and the inspiration I’ve gathered along the way. Stay tuned for plenty of travel and garden magic coming your way next week!

Until then, I hope you’re soaking up the beauty of spring, whether in your garden, at the nursery, or simply enjoying the longer days ahead.

Until next time,

Follow Me for More Inspiration

Shop my Amazon Storefront, LTK sources, and favorite home decor, garden, and lifestyle products. When you purchase from one of my links, I earn a small commission, which helps me continue sharing all the content you expect on my blog.

Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LIKEtoKNOW.it. Do you like gardening? Join my Facebook Gardening Tips & Tricks group.