Can you believe this is the last weekend of July?

Somehow, we’re already wrapping up the month and well into the third quarter of the year. Time truly flies when your days are full of garden blooms and summer plans!

This week was a full one—we hosted a garden tour on Friday, I’ve been recovering from a short bout of being under the weather, and now we’re officially prepping for our summer boat trip.

The garden is bursting with bright summer blooms, especially the phlox, daisies, black-eyed Susans, and calendula, and even though the dahlias are just getting started, it’s already feeling like a colorful send-off before we take off.

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

Garden Tour Day

On Friday, we hosted a garden tour for 16 guests (part of an auction event), and I have to say, I was genuinely proud of how everything came together. Especially considering I’d been under the weather for the two days leading up to it!

We woke up to a drizzling rain, but thankfully, it stayed dry during the actual tour, and the garden put on a pretty good show.

Right now, the black-eyed Susans and daisies are blooming side by side in a gorgeous mix of yellow and white. Add in the calendula, and it’s like a sunshine-colored sea swaying in the breeze.

I have lots of pictures of the garden on our tour day.

A few of the dahlias are starting to bloom too—not as many as I’d hoped for by this point. Still, I’m grateful for what’s there and looking forward to what’s still to come.

Flower of the Week: Hydrangeas

If there’s one bloom that always steals the show in the summer garden, it’s the hydrangea.

Big, beautiful, and full of charm, these blooms come in shades of white, pink, blue, and purple, often changing color as the season goes on.

With so many types to choose from (mophead, lacecap, panicle, and more), there’s a hydrangea for just about every space.

They’re easy to grow, make stunning cut flowers, and dry beautifully for fall and holiday decor.

Need help growing them? Check out my blog post for tips.

“We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us.” — Jenny Uglow

Prepping for Our Summer Boat Trip

It’s officially boat trip countdown week around here!

We’re spending the next several days moving things aboard and getting “Wildflower” all ready to be our floating home for the next stretch of the summer.

As excited as I am for the trip, it’s always hard to leave the garden this time of year. August blooms are just so fabulous. But our housesitter has promised to send updates and photos while we’re away.

Wrapping Up Christmas in July

If you followed along with my Christmas in July email series this past week—thank you! I hope you found some ideas or inspiration tucked in among all the festive fun.

And for those of you who aren’t quite ready to think about twinkle lights and cinnamon yet (or who prefer hearing from me just once a week), thank you for sticking with me. We’re now back to our regular Sunday schedule—just in time for fresh garden updates and a peek into our upcoming travels.

On the Blog

Simple Tips on How to Dry Hydrangeas for Your Home Decor

What if I told you you could enjoy your hydrangeas in your home for months? Here are a few simple ideas for dry hydrangeas for your fall home decor. Check out these easy methods to dry your garden hydrangeas so you’ll decorate for fall with beautiful dried hydrangeas in no time…CONTINUE READING.

August Gardening Tips and To-Dos

Looking for ways to keep your summer garden productive and healthy while starting to prepare for the fall season? I’ll show you some August gardening tips and to-dos for your Pacific Northwest garden that will give you the best results for setting your garden up for success… CONTINUE READING.

Your Ultimate Guide to Begin Planning for Christmas in July

Is Christmas the last thing on your mind this summer? I can see why it would be with the summer heat, barbeques, and the sand between your toes. But you may change your mind when you learn how stress-free your holidays can be by starting to plan for Christmas in July…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

These lemon and white chocolate chip cookies with lavender look delicious.

I can’t wait to make these scallop seashell homemade candles.

You’ve got to love this cozy countryside cottage.

How about some iced coffee with ice cream? Yes, please.

Here’s everything you need to know about using chalk paint.

How to create the ultimate summer salsa bar.

Another gorgeous home from the Jean Stoffer Design portfolio.

Here are some edible favorites for your cutting garden.

I’m trying this recipe for dinner this week. Can’t wait!

You’ll love this easy, no-sew sunflower pillow with scrap fabrics.

What better way to celebrate summer than with peach sangria?

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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.