Saltwater Sounds: Reflecting on Summer Garden Successes

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.

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.

This and That

As we enter the month of August, I find myself a bit confused.

We’re only halfway into the summer season, yet “back to school” will be here before we know it. Fall home decor ideas and products are becoming more and more prominent. Summer seems to be heading towards the back burner.

My garden is another story, though. There is much more blooming to do this month, and I’m celebrating and reflecting on my summer garden successes.

The fall debate comes up around this time every year, so… are you team fall or team summer right now?

As a blogger, I usually start sharing more fall inspiration here, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to say goodbye to summer. This is my favorite season, and I’ll stick with it until the very end.

So, as I start publishing fall-season content, I’ll still share my awesome summer content with you, including the garden. It’s the best of both worlds, don’t you think?

I’m a people-pleaser. It’s what I do.

At least you’ll like half of my blog posts…at least, I hope you will.

This week, we’re in full “get ready for vacation” mode, packing up our boat, Wildflower, for a five-week trip. We’ll head north to the San Juan Islands, Canada’s Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound.

I can’t wait to take you along. Next week, I’ll share a boat tour, so stay tuned.

“The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.” – Gertrude Jekyll

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

The Cottage Garden

Pink gladiolus and purple coneflowers (echinacea) look stunning, growing beside each other. When the gladiolus fades away, purple asters will bloom nearby in their place.

The stargazer lilies just started blooming about a week ago.

The golden black-eyed Susans have filled in.

It amazes me how different the garden looks from two weeks ago, with all the yellow flowers now blooming.

I love the white coneflowers growing among the black-eyed Susans.

This could be the tallest sunflower I’ve ever grown in the garden!

The daisies have lasted a lot longer than they did last year.

The sedum autumn joy is starting to turn that gorgeous rose color. I love these in floral arrangements this time of year.

These are the cafe au lait dahlias from last year. There were quite a few blooming, but sadly, they haven’t started blooming this year.

In fact, all my dahlias have had a slow start this year.

Look at all of these amazing tomatoes! Sadly, we won’t be here to eat the tomatoes until we get back, so our housesitter and neighbors will enjoy them until then.

So far, here are the ripe tomatoes. It took me about 5 minutes to eat them all.

My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

From the Blog

Guide to Must-Have Blooms for Your Mid-Summer Flower Garden

The mid-summer garden grows the most vibrant flowers. Are you wondering which summer blooms will grow the best this time of year and into the fall season?… CONTINUE READING.

How to Create a Quick and Easy Summer Barbeque Tablescape

Are you ready to celebrate summer with a backyard BBQ party? Today, I’m sharing how to create a quick and easy summer tablescape when hosting a barbeque or dinner party… CONTINUE READING.

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, and you’ll decorate for fall with beautiful dried hydrangeas in no time. CONTINUE READING.

Flower of the Week: Sunflowers

Growing sunflowers in the garden adds a cheerful beauty.

I used to think sunflowers were only yellow, but other varieties have even prettier colors.

These sunny flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and their seeds provide a nutritious food source for birds. The edible seeds are rich in nutrients and can be harvested for snacks or culinary use.

As companion plants, sunflowers can deter pests, offer shade, and support climbing plants.

Sunflowers are low-maintenance flowers. Their quick growth makes them ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.

You can get more sunflower tips in my blog post, Growing Sunflowers from Seed: A Complete Guide.

Gardening Question of the Week

How Can I Keep My Garden Healthy While I’m on Vacation?

Keeping your garden healthy while on vacation involves planning and preparation. Here are some strategies to ensure your garden stays in good shape while you’re away.

Watering Solutions

Mulching

Shade and Protection

Weed Control

Pest Management

Pruning and Harvesting

Neighbor or Friend Help

Plant Selection

Set Up a Garden Checklist

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

These antipasto tortellini skewers with lemon basil vinaigrette are perfect for your next summer party.

This seaside renovation has an antique touch.

Want a fast and easy way to dry fresh herbs? Try this method.

Here are three refreshing Tiger Melon Cocktail versions to try making.

You’ll love this English Tudor house.

I’m loving this charming cottage garden and little Amish shed.

This apple fritter monkey bread recipe looks pretty amazing.

Upcycle your old lampshade with this easy DIY fabric refresh.

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,

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.