Saltwater Sounds: Digging Into April

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.

I hope you’ve had a wonderful week.

April is officially here, and with it comes a whole new level of garden excitement. We’ve been spending more time outside, and the changes are starting to happen quickly!

There’s so much energy in the garden right now.

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Around the Garden

New Garden Bed Planted

We added a new garden bed along the paver stairs we installed last year, and I’m so excited by how it transforms the space.

I really love having a true pathway rather than the stepping stones we originally put in, but it needed to be warmed up a bit.

You can see that we have planted evergreen shrubs, rosemary, and lavender.

I also divided daisies, black-eyed Susans, and sedum autumn joy from other areas in the cottage garden and transplanted them alongside the pathway. I can’t wait to see the transformation this summer when everything is in bloom.

Adding Fish Compost to the Garden Beds

We’re taking on another big project this weekend.

We picked up a trailer load full of fish compost, and we’re adding it to the flower beds today. It’s one of those yearly tasks that I love when it’s done because it makes such a difference! We get our organic fish compost from Oly Mountain Fish Compost.

The compost not only feeds the soil to set everything up for a strong, healthy growing season, but it also gives the garden a fresh, clean look for the growing season.

The Greenhouse is Full

The greenhouse is full of life and thriving.

The cut flower and vegetable seedlings are looking beautiful, and I’ll start the hardening-off process to get them ready for life outdoors next week.

It’s hard to imagine that this greenhouse will be empty in less than a month.

Splitting Dahlia Tubers

It’s time to divide the dahlia tubers.

We’ll be working on splitting tubers and transplanting them to their new spot over by the new fence next to the driveway.

I also bought several new dahlia tubers to plant. I’ll share those varieties with you next week.

What’s in Bloom This Week

The tulips in the cut flower garden are finally getting ready to bloom. They’re about a week or two behind where they were last year, but they’re coming.

More rhododendrons and azaleas are blooming and will continue to do so through the next month. These are very popular spring plants in the Pacific Northwest.

And, of course, we have some stunning tree blossoms to enjoy.

“April is the kindest month. April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden.”
― Marty Rubin

Growing Sunflowers from Seed: A Complete Guide

Thinking about growing sunflowers from seed in your garden this summer? This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from picking the right kinds of sunflowers to planting, caring for them, and even harvesting…CONTINUE READING.

How to Successfully Harden Off Your Seedlings and Young Plants

Did you know that seedlings and young plants need time to adjust to the outdoors before being planted in the garden? In this post, I’ll walk you through the hardening-off process and share how to help your plant seedlings make a smooth transition from indoors to outside…CONTINUE READING.

16 Thrift Store Finds for Your Spring Vintage Home Decor

Are you looking for ideas to give your home a pretty spring refresh without breaking the bank? This post highlights 16 of my favorite vintage thrift store finds to help you quickly spruce up your spring home decor…CONTINUE READING.

Create a Blue and Yellow Bright and Colorful Table for Spring

Are you looking for ideas on how to brighten up your spring table? I’ll share how I created a bright and colorful table for the spring season using a mix of blue and yellow… CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

See how you can repurpose garden baskets to make beautiful outdoor hanging lights. I can’t wait to try this DIY project!

You will fall in love with this home on the lake.

Bacon lovers will enjoy this deviled eggs recipe.

Here’s another decoupaged Easter egg project you’ll love for Easter.

Here’s how you can fall back in love with your home.

You’ll want to try this delicious 3-cheese lemon basil pizza.

Here’s a great post about collecting antique and vintage breadboards.

This Scottsdale home is gorgeous!

Make an aged terra cotta pot for spring in minutes.

DIY Stamped Easter Napkins for Your Easter Table

Check out this great lime wax picture frame makeover.

Looking Ahead

I’ll be sharing more about the new garden bed soon, and I’m already dreaming of the summer blooms that will fill it. I’ll also keep you posted as I start moving seedlings out of the greenhouse and into the great outdoors.

And, of course, I’ll be keeping a close eye on those tulips—they’re so close!

As always, thank you for being here and following along. Whether you’re a fellow gardener, flower lover, or just enjoy the rhythm of the seasons, I’m grateful we get to share this space together.

Wishing you a beautiful week ahead filled with fresh air, new blooms, and little signs of joy.

Until next time,

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