Saltwater Sounds: Taking Time to Plan and Organize

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 around the web.

purple African daisies and other annuals in a bike basket.

This and That

I don’t know what’s been going on with me lately but all I want to do is organize my life. Let me tell you, that’s no easy task.

I’m one of those people that is “all or nothing.” All my life, I’ve struggled with the fact that if I don’t have time to do something “perfectly,” I won’t do it at all.

So, what I’m saying is if you came to visit our beach cottage, it would be either a disaster area or a magazine feature. There’s not much in the middle.

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I’ve spent the last few months realizing this frantic lifestyle isn’t working for me. There has to be a better way.

That’s why I created my gardening planner. I love using it and having everything about my garden in one place. What a concept.

I love planning. It’s one of my favorite things to do (when I make the time), whether it’s putting together a list for our five-week boat trip coming up or what I’m going to write on the blog for the fall season. It makes life so much easier. And it’s the only way I can stay organized. You wouldn’t believe all the spreadsheets and checklists I’ve created lately!

So, with a long boat trip in the near future, a knee replacement scheduled in late October, the holidays, and a garden, I have my work cut out for me. But I am on the right track to make these next few months a bit more organized and stress-free.

Today’s blog posts are all about planning and organization. First, I’m sharing the benefits of having a garden journal or planner. What a lifesaver!

cottage garden and greenhouse in early evening

I’m also sharing a Christmas holiday timeline, which starts this month. I know it seems early, but if you start planning now, you’ll feel calmer in November and December, knowing that you have handled many of your holiday tasks.

I have a new printable holiday planner in the resource library for you to enjoy, feel organized, and feel less stressed during the holidays. The library is for subscribers only and is password protected, so be sure to check your email from me if you need the info to get in.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn

Strawberry Candy Rebloomer Ageless Beauty. lily

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

The lilies are looking beautiful in the garden right now. I love the colors of this variety, which is a Strawberry Candy Rebloomer Ageless Beauty.

The phlox is blooming. The butterflies LOVE this flower! I see them around these blooms more than any other flower in the garden.

Most of my phlox is purple, but I have one white plant. I will divide it and plant it in the new fence planters along the driveway next year.

yellow sunflowers growing in the summer garden

The sunflowers are stunning! I started many more sunflowers from seed this year.

yellow sunflower growing in the summer cottage garden

I haven’t had the heart to cut and take them inside yet. But I do need to soon. They’ll brighten up the indoors this summer.

There’s something about white coneflower (echinacea) that I am in love with.

Shasta daisies growing along the white picket fence garden

The daisies are in their prime right now. I’m going in the garden today and cutting more for vases. I wish they lasted longer. They’re so cheery.

purple African daisies and other annuals in the bike basket

My flower containers are exploding with color this week. The purple African daisies are stunning. I’ve never planted them in my flower containers, but now they’re a favorite.

The gladioli are spectacular right now. That’s why they’re the flower of the week!

chocolate lace Dara growing in the garden

The chocolate lace Dara was planted as a filler for flower arrangements, but I’ve been cutting it and putting it in a vase alone. It’s really beautiful as an individual arrangement.

lilliput zinnias growing in a barrel in the garden

And, of course, the zinnias are my absolute favorite in the cut flower garden right now.

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.

SHOP HERE

My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

Sluggo for the slugs and snails
Liquid Fence for the deer and rabbits
Neem oil and insecticidal soap for pests
Garden gloves
Garden journal for taking notes for next year’s garden
Pruning shears

From the Blog

orange and red sunflower growing in the cottage garden

How to Start and Keep a Gardening Journal for Your Garden Success

Do you keep a gardening journal to track your garden’s progress? If you don’t, keeping a detailed record of your gardening activities makes it easy to note successes and failures and plan for future garden adjustments… CONTINUE READING.

Your Ultimate Guide to Begin Planning for Christmas in July

Is Christmas the last thing on your mind this summer? I can see why it would be with the summer heat, barbeques, and the sand between your toes. But you may change your mind when you learn how stress-free your holidays can be by starting to plan for Christmas in July… CONTINUE READING.

Enchanting European Architectural Antique and Vintage Doors & Gates

Do you love old doors and gates? If the answer is yes and you’re ready for some serious inspiration, check out these antique and vintage doors and gates I found while vacationing in Europe… CONTINUE READING.

Flower of the Week

Gladiolus

Gladiolus is also known as a sword lily. The name comes from the Latin word gladius, which means “sword” and refers to the flower’s long, pointed shape.

Why should you grow Gladiolus in your flower garden? Here are a few reasons:

Their unique, tall flower spikes add dramatic vertical interest and vibrant color to any garden landscape, making them a standout feature. Gladiolus comes in various colors, including red, pink, purple, yellow, and white, allowing for versatile garden design and beautiful floral displays.

Gladiolus are relatively easy to grow and maintain. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, perfect for various garden settings. These flowers are also known for their ability to bloom profusely during the summer months, providing continuous color and beauty throughout the season.

pink, red, and purple gladiolas in a vase

Here are some of my blooms from my summer garden. Gladiolus makes excellent cut flowers with a long vase life, adding beauty to indoor floral arrangements.

My favorite thing about gladiolus is that they’re deer-resistant and generally not bothered by pests, making them a low-maintenance and resilient choice for gardeners looking to add stunning blooms without extensive upkeep.

pale cosmos growing in the cut flower garden

Gardening Question of the Week

What’s the Best Way to Water Plants During a Heatwave?

Garden plants need adequate hydration without wasting water or causing stress. Here are some best practices:

Water Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening: Watering during the cooler parts of the day minimizes evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture before the heat intensifies.
Deep Watering: Water deeply and thoroughly for the water to reach the root zone. Shallow watering can lead to weak root systems and increased vulnerability to heat stress.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and reduces evaporation.
Use Drip Irrigation or Soaker Hoses: These methods deliver water directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and ensuring efficient water use.
Shade and Protection: Use shade cloth or garden umbrellas to shade sensitive plants temporarily. This can reduce the stress caused by intense sunlight.
Check Soil Moisture: Regularly check the soil moisture levels to ensure the plants get enough water. Stick your finger into the soil up to a couple of inches deep; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Avoid Overhead Watering: Watering from above can cause foliage to remain wet, increasing the risk of fungal diseases, especially during hot and humid conditions.

Read more about my top tips for watering efficiently in my blog post.

Gardening Tip of the Week

Water Early in the Morning to Prevent Evaporation

Watering your garden early in the morning is crucial for several reasons, especially to prevent evaporation. When you water in the early hours, the cooler temperatures and lower sunlight intensity reduce the rate at which water evaporates from the soil. More water reaches the plant roots, promoting healthier growth and more efficient use of water resources.

Morning watering allows foliage to dry out during the day, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases and other moisture-related issues. By establishing an early morning watering routine, you not only conserve water but also support your garden’s overall health and resilience.

Let’s Plan Your Dream Garden With Our

Gardening Planner

Unlock Your Garden’s Potential.

Our 35-page Ultimate Garden Planner is designed to help you organize, track, and flourish in your gardening endeavors.

Learn More

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

This could be the best smoked brisket recipe.

Designer Thomas O’Brien has created his dream house and garden; you won’t want to miss it.

Find out how to make the most of your visit to Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France.

This frozen watermelon spritz looks like the perfect refreshing summer drink.

This pantry area is both organized AND beautiful.

These are the cutest DIY succulent vases.

You’ll love this Santa Barbara home from the JDP Interiors portfolio.

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,

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Saltwater Sounds: Taking Time to Plan and Organize

This and That

Around the Garden and Greenhouse