Saltwater Sounds: Springing Forward Into the Garden Season
Welcome To This Week’s 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.
This Week at a Glance
How did springing forward work for you this morning?
I’ll admit losing an hour of sleep isn’t exactly my favorite thing, but those longer evenings full of light make it completely worth it. Seeing the sun linger a little later in the evening always feels like the first real sign that brighter days are ahead.
After months of short winter days here in the Pacific Northwest, this shift always feels like a turning point. The garden slowly begins to wake up, the greenhouse is full of new life, and the idea of spring doesn’t feel so far away anymore.
And honestly, I’m here for all of it.

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In the Garden

The garden is finally starting to show those little hints that the season is changing.

The white clematis is still blooming along the fence and trellises, while crocuses are looking especially pretty tucked among the pastel hyacinths.

The hellbores continue to do their thing in the garden, and the first daffodils are beginning to pop up, and I’m patiently waiting for many more to appear.

One of my favorite sights right now is our camellia tree. When it blooms, it absolutely steals the show.


Those bright fuchsia blooms all come from one tree, and every year it feels like the garden’s way of announcing that winter is just about over.

English daisies are at our local Costco…yay!
Life Inside the Greenhouse

While the outdoor garden is just getting started, the greenhouse has been much busier.

Seed trays are filling up quickly, and it’s always exciting to see these little sprouts pushing through the soil.



The geraniums look happy and healthy, and several are even starting to bloom again.

We sowed the zinnias and cosmos last week, and they’re already sprouting. I love how fast these flowers germinate.
Before long, the greenhouse shelves will be packed, and I’ll start to harden off the seedlings. It’s still early, but the rhythm of the growing season has officially begun.
A Good Excuse to Plant Something New

March 12th is National Plant a Flower Day, which feels like the perfect excuse to add something new to the garden.
Not that gardeners really need an excuse.

Whether it’s tucking a few pansies into a pot, planting sweet peas along a trellis, or scattering a packet of wildflower seeds, it’s a simple reminder that the season ahead will be full of color.
And if you’re anything like me, you probably already have a few plants waiting for their turn in the garden.
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
Seed Starting Supplies
Check out my favorite supplies and tools for starting seeds indoors. Whether you’re looking for grow lights or a seed starting mix, you’ll find what I use in my own greenhouse.
Little Touches of Spring Inside the Cottage

While the garden slowly wakes up outside, I’ve been bringing a little spring indoors too.

The winter copper accents on the kitchen shelves have been swapped out for green and white dishes, which instantly made the space feel lighter.

I also brought out my faux blossom tree for the season. It’s one of those simple things that always makes the cottage feel like spring has officially arrived.

When it comes to flowers inside the house, I tend to keep things pretty simple. A small wildflower-style arrangement is usually my favorite.
This week’s bouquet came from Trader Joe’s, and sometimes those easy grocery store flowers end up being the prettiest.


Glass cloches are another favorite around here this time of year. They’re such an easy way to create a little seasonal moment on a shelf or tabletop.
Right now, they’re holding colorful Easter eggs, and there are a few bunnies scattered around the living room as well.
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.
On the Blog This Week
Spring Cottage Home Tour and Simple Decorating Ideas
I’ll take you on a spring home tour of my cottage living room and bedroom while sharing some simple spring decor ideas to make your home look and feel its best this season.
How to Grow and Care for Your Spring Bulb Flowers
This guide will take you through the essential steps to grow and care for your spring-bulb flowers, including planting, caring for them after they bloom, and storing your bulbs if needed.
Spring Gardening Checklist to Help the Summer Garden Thrive
In this post, I’m walking you through a practical spring gardening checklist with the essential projects to tackle now, so your garden thrives when summer arrives.
How to Plan a Stunning Cut Flower Garden Layout
I’ll guide you through every step of planning a cut flower garden layout, from choosing the best flowers to grow and caring for them so you can enjoy a garden bursting with blooms.
My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week
Here’s a healthier take on a classic Girl Scout cookie.
Here’s a great post on how to make decoupage Easter eggs with paper napkins.
You’ll be amazed by how pretty this DIY faux magnolia branch is.
You’ll love this Dryden Road House!
Check out how an old, run-down wreath turned into a dried flower masterpiece.
I love this moss-covered bunny DIY idea.
This home in San Francisco is decorated so beautifully!
Looking Ahead to the Season to Come
With Daylight Saving Time here and the more seedlings growing in the greenhouse, it really feels like the garden season is beginning to unfold.
There’s still plenty of cool weather ahead here in the Pacific Northwest, but these early signs of life make it feel like we’re on the right track.
And honestly, after a long winter, that’s more than enough to make me smile.
Until next time,

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