Saltwater Sounds: Heading North the Last Week of August

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

We’re up north in Canada’s Desolation Sound and let me tell you, it’s gorgeous up here!

But as usual, I’m about a week behind sharing all the fun pictures and stories, so today you’ll see the rest of our trip to Victoria and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia, Canada.

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A Day in Brentwood Bay

After the Butchard Gardens we decided to stay another night in Tod Inlet and see the Victoria Butterfly Garden and pick up some provisions.

It’s easy to be healthy when you are on your boat away from restaurants. But when there’s a pub at the marina, and it’s happy hour, you need to take advantage of the situation.

We took the dinghy to the Brentwood Bay Marina with our folding ebikes in tow. Above are pictures of our ebikes after shopping for groceries.

Unfortunately, I had my first bike accident. I learned the hard way that turning around on gravel is not a smart thing to do.

And in case you were wondering, I was wearing tennis shoes when I was on the bike, not these flip flops.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

We had never been to the butterfly gardens in Victoria mostly because we were always on our boat. So having the ebikes this trip meant we could finally go.

Here we found poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more.

They have a large variety of tropical fish swimming in a serene pond filled with koi fish and turtles, and stream circulated by a stunning waterfall.

Thousands of tropical butterflies (up to 70 species) fly through the lush gardens, which include tropical flowers, carnivorous plants and fruits of the world.

We got to see the different stages of the butterflies. Above are the eggs and then a catepillar.

You’ll find colorful birds such as parrots and a gold and blue macaw.

Can you believe that there was even a fabulous Caribbean flamingo?

Above left are yellow and black poison dart frogs, which we were told are no longer poisoneous.

Check out the pond turtles.

There are also iguanas lurking about.

Vintage and Antique Shopping

This antique shop was one of the best I’ve been to as far as the organization of collections they had.

There were plenty of copper bedpans, mannequins and washboards.

I’ve never seen so many crocks in one place before. I only wish I had a way to get one or two of them to our boat.

There were quite a lot of vintage kitchen items to choose from.

The had quite a clock collection as well.

Onto the Gulf Islands

Genoa Bay

As we started heading north, our first stop through the Gulf Islands was Genoa Bay. It was mainly just an overnight stay but we did have a nice morning before the weather started to change.

We thought we would pack up the boys and take the dinghy to the marina and have some breakfast.

After breakfast, we took Jax and Ollie for a walk since they hadn’t had much time off of the boat.

The gallery wasn’t open but you know me. I always have to take a picture if there are flowers around.

After leaving Genoa Bay my husband pulled a fast one on me and stopped at another town to take me to urgent care to xray my ribs after my bike accident.

Good news! I only bruised my ribs. I’ll be pretty sore when I cough, sneeze, or blow my nose for a few weeks, but I’m so thankful that my clutsiness did not get me into more trouble.

It could have been so much worse, especially if I had been going fast.

Ladysmith

We were able to tie up to the dock in Ladysmith before the big thunderstorm came through. The next day was pretty soggy so we stayed on the boat and nested. My ribs appreciated the rest.

Luckily there was a break in the rain the next day so we biked into town before heading out for breakfast and shopping.

It was early so there was only one shop open, White Space Living.

It was a cute little store with fun pillows, signs, and candles.

A Look Back to a Year Ago

Do you remember me sharing the Farwest Garden Show last year? I shared some pictures from the event in the Saltwater Sounds post exactly one year ago.

On our way back home from the event I stopped at a nursery and found some fall plants that needed to be in my garden.

“Gardens are not made by singing ‘Oh, how beautiful,’ and sitting in the shade.” – Rudyard Kipling

I got a picture of our hydrangeas at home from our housesitter. They’re starting to turn from a white flower head to a rose-colored bloom. Soon I will be cutting them to take in a dry.

From the Blog

Fall in Love with the Magic of the Butchart Gardens

Do you love looking at other gardens for inspiration? The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia, is the perfect place to explore the most incredible flowers and plants at any time of year… CONTINUE READING.

Vintage Fall Decor Ideas to Add Charm and Character to Your Home

If you’re looking for fall decor ideas to add charm and character to your home, mixing vintage pieces throughout your spaces is a perfect way to do it. Come along for some autumn decor inspiration as I show you how to create a warm and inviting fall vibe with those thrifted vintage treasures you’ve found throughout the years… CONTINUE READING.

Flower of the Week: Black-Eyed Susans

Also known as Rubdeckia, black-eyed Susans look amaing in our cottage-style garden and are also a great cut flower. Here are a few reasons you should grow black-eyed Susans in your garden.

Easy to Grow and Maintain: Black-eyed Susans are hardy perennials that thrive in many soil types and can handle drought once established. They require minimal care, making them ideal for gardeners of all experience levels.

Long Blooming Period: These flowers bloom from early summer to fall, providing a long-lasting display of bright yellow flowers that bring vibrant color to your garden.

Attract Pollinators: Black-eyed Susans are excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Wildlife Support: In addition to pollinators, Black-eyed Susans provide food and habitat for birds, especially in the fall when their seed heads mature.

Natural Pest Resistance: They are relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

Versatility: These flowers are great for borders, wildflower gardens, and as cut flowers. They can also help prevent soil erosion due to their sturdy root systems.

Naturalizing Effect: Many black-eyed Susans spread easily by self-seeding.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

These brown sugar chocolate chip muffins look delicious.

This Ashland Avenue House is gorgeous.

Here are 5 tricks that will keep your maximalist home clutter free.

Don’t miss these 50 tips for becoming the ultimate hostess.

You won’t want to miss this dreamy Nantucket cottage.

How to make a perfect lemon drop martini with homemade Limoncello.

Are you a rose lover? Here are several rose recommendations for you.

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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