Saltwater Sounds: New Month, Fresh Blooms, and Sunny Days Ahead

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.

lavender in vintage galvanized bucket on table

Hello June! We’ve been waiting for you.

This is one of my favorite months of the year. The garden is lush, and the cut flowers are starting to show real promise. I officially have apricot cosmos blooming in the raised beds.

It’s these little things that warm my heart.

With the longer daylight hours and warmer temps, I’m spending more time outdoors and soaking up every bit of it. We’re even planning another short boat trip soon to make the most of everything June has to offer.

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Ollie dog laying on window seat with navy blanket

June is a fabulous month with plenty to look forward to. Here are some highlights:

  • Longer Days and Warmer Weather: Enjoy more daylight hours, perfect for outdoor activities, gardening, and evening strolls.
  • Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh produce, such as strawberries, cherries, and peaches, is in season.
  • Outdoor Activities and Events: Festivals, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and community events become more frequent.
  • Gardening Opportunities: This is an ideal time to plant summer flowers, vegetables, and herbs and to maintain and enjoy your garden.
  • Vacation and Travel: It’s a great time to plan vacations, weekend getaways, or day trips to enjoy the sunny weather.
  • National Holidays and Observances: In the U.S., Flag Day (June 14th) and Father’s Day (the third Sunday in June) are occasions for celebration and family gatherings.
  • Outdoor Entertaining: Perfect season for barbecues, picnics, and outdoor dining with friends and family.
  • Home Improvement Projects: Longer days and warmer weather make tackling DIY projects and improvements around the house easier.
  • Health and Wellness: More opportunities for outdoor exercise, such as running, cycling, and yoga in the park.
red and fuchsia delphinium in container

The garden may still be more green than colorful right now, but a few standout perennials are starting to steal the show.

The delphiniums I planted in a pot last year have returned just as bright and beautiful as ever.

turquoise garden fairy in the cottage garden

My favorite thing to do is pull all the vintage garden decor and garden fairies out of the garage and strategically place them throughout my garden spaces.

white and light pink peonies

The peonies are beginning to bloom, and they are my absolute favorite, even if their season always feels too short.

Here are my fuchsia peonies.

May cottage garden with mock orange and delphinium
cottage garden with delphinium

The mock orange has never looked better, covered in gorgeous white blossoms that smell amazing. The purple bellflower adds a big, bold pop of color that stands out in the best way.

honeysuckle growing on the arbor

Here’s a honeysuckle vine growing on the arbor at the entrance to the cut flower garden.

honeysuckle growing on the arbor

I love these colors!

yellow nasturtium growing in the garden

This is only my second year growing nasturtiums, and I’m so glad I gave them another try. The cheerful yellow blooms are tucked around the tomatoes and other veggies to help with companion planting, and they look so pretty doing it.

I also have a really lovely coral variety growing in the raised beds near the greenhouse, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite spots to admire.

white allium bloom

I’ve loved the purple alliums so much over the years that I decided to add a white variety to the garden this spring, and I’m already in love.

garden project putting in a pathway

Do you remember when we replaced the old stone path with a wider paver pathway and step last year? This view shows the project after day 1.

full view of the cottage garden and bay view

It’s been a full year now, and I can’t believe how much the new garden bed alongside it has filled in!

garden beds with blooms

The plants along the path are coming into their own, and I can’t wait to show you what’s next—daisies, black-eyed Susans, and sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ are all getting ready to put on their summer show.

And just when I thought the garden couldn’t surprise me anymore, a pink foxglove popped up, apparently self-seeded from last year, and a stunning pale purple iris opened nearby.

I love these little unexpected gifts that make the garden feel even more magical.



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I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.” —L.M. Montgomery


various shells

I have this thing about shells. They make me smile!

Some say I have an obsession, but I call it a passion for the beach cottage coastal vibe at this time of year.

glass container filled with sand and shells

I love this piece that I found years ago at an antique mall.

During the summer months, you’ll find glass cloches filled with seashells and starfish sprinkled throughout our beach cottage. It’s one of my favorite ways to bring a little bit of the shore indoors.

wooden bowl with glass balls and shells

eating area table with fuchsia rhododendron blooms through the window

The photo above of our kitchen eating area might not have anything to do with seashells, but I had to share it anyway. That bright rhododendron peeking through the window is just too pretty to ignore.

I love catching these little moments while they last… we don’t have much time left with those gorgeous blooms!

On the Blog


summer garden in full bloom

Do you need some inspiring ideas for creating outdoor spaces that are both functional and inviting this summer? Whether your goal is to create a cozy corner spot to enjoy your morning coffee or an area to entertain friends, your outdoor space can become a true extension of your home this summer…CONTINUE READING.

apricot strawflowers in the summer cut flower garden

Have you noticed how some gardens just keep blooming while others start to fizzle out halfway through the season? The secret is simple—deadheading flowers. This easy little practice can keep your plants looking fresh and blooming their hearts out from spring to fall…CONTINUE READING.

sunset view with vintage bike and water views

June is here, bringing gorgeous garden blooms and signaling that summer is approaching. The Pacific Northwest region has plenty of gardening tasks and tips to remember. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, I’ve got some June gardening tips and to-dos for your garden…CONTINUE READING.

cottage kitceh decorated for spring

Have you considered transforming your kitchen into a more relaxed and cozy space? I’ll show you 19 simple ways to create a charming cottage-style kitchen…CONTINUE READING.

Spanish lavender blooming in the summer garden

LET’S GO SHOPPING FOR

Garden Supplies and Tools

Check out my favorite garden supplies and tools for the growing season. Whether you’re looking for potting soil or deer repellent, you’ll find what I use in my own garden.


My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

This charming space feels like the setting of a Nancy Meyers film.

Check out these cozy goals for the summer.

Here’s a recipe for the best tender smoked country-style pork ribs.

This equestrian oasis is a gorgeous Jenny Martin Design project.

How about these homemade honey garlic parmesan biscuits?

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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