This Week at a Glance

Are you staying warm? What’s the weather like where you live?

So many areas are dealing with heavy snow, ice, and truly dangerous winter weather.

While we’ve had a few freezing nights here, it’s nothing compared to what others are facing, and it’s made me extra grateful for how mild things have been in our corner of the Pacific Northwest.

What’s even more surprising here is the sunshine. We’ve had so many bright, clear days lately, and I can’t overstate how much of a mood booster that’s been. January can feel long and heavy, but a little sun goes a long way.

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Every single year, without fail, I lose my pruners. I swear they grow legs and walk off into the garden when I’m not looking. I’ve cleaned, organized, and searched all the usual hiding spots…and still, nothing.

So yesterday I finally gave in and ordered four new pairs of pruners, hoping that at least one will still be around when the real gardening season kicks off.

Will I find all the missing ones the moment I no longer need them anymore? Almost guaranteed. But for now, I’m calling it being prepared, and maybe a little optimistic.

In the Garden

Seeds, Soil, and Overwintering

Seed season is officially underway.

About half of my seed orders have arrived, with the rest trickling in any day now. There’s something so exciting about opening those little packets, each one holding a bit of hope for summer.

I picked up my seed-starting mix yesterday, which means I’m just about ready to start my sweet pea seeds next week. That always feels like the real beginning of the gardening year for me. Once those are planted, everything else seems to fall into place.

Geraniums Holding Strong in the Greenhouse

One of my favorite little winter wins this week has been checking in on the geraniums overwintering in the greenhouse. They look surprisingly good: healthy, green, and happy, considering the time of year.

Even better, some of the geranium starts are already showing strong growth. It’s such a relief to see them thriving, especially after being tucked away for the winter months. These are the kinds of quiet garden moments I love.

Seeing them now makes me even more excited for spring containers and porch pots. It’s a good reminder that while winter feels slow on the surface, so much is still happening behind the scenes.

Winter Garden Surprises

Even in the quiet of winter, the garden always finds a way to surprise me.

The hellebores are absolutely stealing the show right now. They’re one of the only flowers truly blooming in the garden, and they look especially beautiful against the bare beds and winter light.

And just when I thought the garden was still fully asleep, I noticed the first sedum Autumn Joy sprouts poking through the soil. It’s such a small thing, but it feels like a promise. Proof that everything is waking up, slowly but surely.

The primroses are starting to bloom around the garden as well. What a great pop of color in January.

On the Blog This Week

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

You’ll love this incredible cottage house tour in Bainbridge.

Need ideas for hosting a unique kind of Galentine’s Day party?

You’ll want to make this DIY Dried Flower Valentine Wreath.

This easy-to-make, gluten-free winter cake will melt in your mouth.

You’re going to love this Havencrest remodel.

I was over the moon inspired by the prettiest Valentine’s Day cupcakes.

This DIY floral ice bucket will be the hit of your next party.

Secrets to hosting an unforgettable watch party for the big game.

This botanical dreamer takes petals from one flower and combines them with the stems of another.

Looking Ahead

With seeds arriving, soil ready, and the first signs of life in the garden, it really feels like we’re standing on the edge of a new season, even if winter isn’t quite finished with us yet.

For now, I’ll take the sunshine, the small wins, and the quiet anticipation of what’s to come.

Until next time,