Saltwater Sounds: Sunny Garden Days and Welcoming April

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.

April will be here in just a couple of days, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m sure you’re probably feeling the same.

The past two days have brought the kind of spring weather that makes you want to stay outside until the light starts disappearing.

cottage garden and greenhouse the end of March

We reached about 60°F, the sun was out, and after a stretch of gray days (and one with torrential downpours), it felt like I needed to fully take advantage of this time to play in the garden.

These sunny days were such a gift, and I’m ready for more!

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cottage garden with cream colored dog Ollie walking the garden path

There was plenty of weeding, birdbath cleaning, and general garden bed clean-up going on around here, and it felt so good to get my hands back in the dirt.

greenhouse and stone patio with yellow daffodils growing in vintage galvanized containers

This time of year reminds me how quickly everything starts to shift. One minute, you’re clearing away winter’s leftovers, and the next, you’re making room for all the new growth that’s just around the corner.

cottage garden at the end of March with raised beds filled with growing daffodils

And with April almost here, it really does feel like the season is beginning to pick up speed.

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The greenhouse is about to get even busier because next week I’ll be sowing the sunflower seeds.

sunflower seedlings growing in the greenhouse

I’ve found that starting sunflowers indoors gives them a much better chance in my garden. If I direct sow them outside too early, the birds act like I’ve put together a full spring buffet just for them.

sweet pea seedlings hardening off on the deck

It’s hard to believe that in just a couple of weeks, I’ll be hardening off the seedlings and overwintering geraniums from the greenhouse. Even though our last frost date average here in Zone 8B can be as early as March 21st, I always wait until about mid-April before I start acclimating the plants.

I’ve learned that patience goes a long way this time of year. Spring likes to keep us on our toes around here.

bright colored tulips growing in the raised bed cut flower garden in April

I’m also getting especially excited about the tulips in the cut flower garden this spring. A lot of them haven’t bloomed yet, but they’re coming along, and I already know they’re going to be worth the wait.

bright colored tulips growing in the raised bed cut flower garden in April
Last year’s tulips at the end of March

For now, I’m looking back at the photos from around this same time last year.

greenhouse and garden pathway with daffodils growing in the raised bed garden

And while we’re talking about spring favorites, daffodils continue to hold a very special place in my heart. Why do I love these spring bulbs so much?

pale yellow daffodils growing in front of an old barrel
  • They bloom early in the season, which always feels like the garden’s first real hello after winter.
  • The deer leave them alone, which is reason enough to celebrate.
  • They come back beautifully year after year. They’re reliable, cheerful, and ask for very little in return. Every few years, they like to be divided, but beyond that, they’re one of the easiest flowers of spring.

April Gardening Plans

splitting dahlia clumps on a bright blue tarp with dogs

Besides continuing with the seasonal garden clean-up, these are a few of the April projects I’ll be working on:

It’s one of those busy, but happy seasons where the to-do list gets longer, yet somehow it feels exciting rather than overwhelming.

L.M. MONTGOMERY
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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.

black baby goat drinking from a bottle

And before I go, I have a baby goat update for you.

blonde colored baby goat in the stall with hay

The girls are doing great, and I went to visit them again yesterday.

red-headed baby goat walking on the hay in a stall

I’m not saying I’m completely smitten…but I’m also not not saying that.

black and white baby goat in the barn with a wooden block

They were every bit as sweet as you’d expect, and checking in on them was the perfect way to end such a beautiful stretch of spring weather.

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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.

pink peonies sitting on the nightstand with avintage clock

How to Bring the Outdoor Elements Into Your Home for the Spring Season

Are you ready for a spring refresh? Ill show you how to liven things up by bringing outdoor elements inside your home for spring.
Vintage dishes spring tablescape

Welcoming Spring with Beautiful Blooms and Vintage Dishware Tablescape

Are you looking for spring table ideas? I love welcoming the new season by creating a stunning spring tablescape filled with vintage charm, fresh blooms, and pretty pastel colors.
April Gardening Tips and To-Dos graphic with daffodils

April Gardening Tips and To-Dos in the Pacific Northwest

In the PNW, that couldn’t be more true. So grab your rain boots, throw on a cozy jacket, and let’s get outside. April is one of gardeners’ busiest (and most rewarding) months.
cafe au lait dahlias growing in the garden

How to Divide Dahlia Tubers in the Spring

I’ll show you my process for dividing dahlia tubers in the spring and explain the advantages of splitting these dahlia root clumps annually.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

You’ll fall in love with this gorgeous home.

If you’re still looking for a great Easter breakfast idea, you’ll love this one.

If you love peonies, you will love this post.

I love this Hibury Court home from the Marie Flanigan portfolio.

The ultimate dessert grazing board.

These are the prettiest DIY monogrammed Easter eggs ever!

Looking Ahead

As we say goodbye to March and step into April, I’m feeling so ready for this next part of the season. Wishing you a beautiful week filled with sunshine, fresh blooms, and a little extra kindness.

Until next time,

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