Saltwater Sounds: The Party’s Over, But the Garden’s Just Getting Started

Welcome to this week’s edition of 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.

I hope all my U.S. readers had a wonderful 4th of July!

We hosted our annual Parade Watch Breakfast, and while I had every intention of snapping some pictures of the fun, I got totally caught up in the moment (which is probably how it should be, right?).

I did manage to grab a few shots while setting up—patriotic bunting, mimosa and Bloody Mary bar, lawn seating for 60—it was all ready for a good time.

The party may be over, but the garden is just getting started. This week it’s bursting with color, from Earthwalker sunflowers and red cherry marigolds to Queen Anne’s lace, milkweed, snapdragons, and more.

I took tons of photos, so if you’re a flower lover like me, you’re in for a treat!

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Getting Ready for the 4th

We went all out this year with patriotic bunting, pendants, and little American flags tucked into planters and along the pathways.

I set up tables and chairs across the lawn in addition to the usual deck seating. We were expecting around 60 guests for our Parade Watch Breakfast, and I wanted everyone to have a comfy spot.

The breakfast menu was filled with favorites: quiche, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, and scones, all served buffet-style while we enjoyed the small-town parade rolling right past our house.

Even though I didn’t get pictures of the party itself, the setup and decor helped capture the festive spirit. And honestly, being too busy enjoying it to grab the camera is kind of a good sign, don’t you think?

Scroll down for more pics of the outdoor decor.

Here’s a look at the bar set up the night before.

A Walk Around the Garden

The cut flower garden and cottage garden are both absolutely glowing right now. I’ve taken so many pictures this week, and it’s fun to see how quickly everything’s changing.

This garden is my happy place, especially in early July. It’s when all the hard work really starts paying off.

This Year’s Favorite Garden Spot

Let me show you one of my favorite garden corners, located in front of the greenhouse, this year.

Starting seeds is always a bit of a gamble. Will the colors blend well? Will it all come together like you hoped?

But this little area? It’s a win.

We added the two raised beds last year, and I tried a coordinating flower seed mix from Epic Gardening. The result is better than I imagined—layered colors, soft textures, and blooms that just seem to belong together.

These are just a few of the flowers that are included in the seed packet:

More Blooms in the Cottage Garden

The hydrangeas are becoming more beautiful and colorful.

I spotted this little ladybug hanging out on a Shasta daisy—always fun to see garden visitors like that.

Don’t you love this “Garden Show Reblooming Daylily”?

My hanging fuchsia is loving its shady little spot on the porch. It’s thriving in all the right ways.

The Latest in the Cut Flower Garden

I’ve been sharing this volunteer milkweed plant lately, but now it’s in full bloom!

I cut a vase full of Queen Anne’s Lace for the 4th of July the other day, and am so glad I decided to grow this whimsical flower in my cut flower garden this year.

There have been some noticeable changes in the cutting garden this year. Last summer, zinnias totally stole the show with their bold colors and fast blooms.

But this year? It’s all about the cosmos. They’re putting on quite the performance and definitely earning their spotlight.

All three varieties of strawflowers are really filling in now, and they’re looking better by the day.

The snapdragons are doing well!

This is my first year growing tomatillos, and so far, so good! I have no idea what to expect from these plants, so it’ll be fun learning as I go.

“Let us live like flowers—wild and beautiful and drenched in sun.” —Ellen Everett.

Gardening Tip of the Week

Add mulch to garden beds to retain soil moisture.

One of the biggest benefits of mulch is its ability to keep moisture where your plants need it, right in the soil. Especially during hot summer days, it helps prevent evaporation and keeps roots cool and happy.

You can use organic materials like wood chips, dry straw, pine needles, or grass clippings. They all do a great job and break down over time to improve the soil. Win-win!

On the Blog

How to Create a Tablescape with a Coastal Cottage Vibe for Summer

If there’s one thing I love about summer, it’s dining outside with a view of the water and a salty breeze in the air. Today I’m sharing a coastal cottage-style tablescape I put together in our front yard, just steps away from Puget Sound…CONTINUE READING.

How to Show Off Your Garden Flowers Using Vintage Thrift Store Finds

Are you looking for fun yard art and creative outdoor container ideas for your beautiful blooms? I’ll share how to show off your flowers using vintage thrift store finds as containers and fun props in the garden…CONTINUE READING.

Why Subshrubs Like Lavender and Rosemary are Hard to Divide

Did you know that not all plants that come back year after year can be easily divided? Subshrubs like lavender and rosemary are harder to divide than you may think, and I’ll tell you why...CONTINUE READING.

Using Architectural Salvage Finds to Refresh a Hallway

Did you know some of our best DIY home refresh projects come from antique and vintage inspiration? In this post, I’ll show you how much fun you can have shopping at a local architectural salvage yard and what we found to refresh our drab hallway…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Try this effortless marinated burrata recipe.

You’ll want to check out this modern manor remodel!

Here’s a DIY project for all the flower lovers.

You’ll love this easy cast-iron triple berry crisp recipe.

This project from the House Seven Design portfolio is gorgeous.

Try this refreshing Lavender Limeade drink this summer.

5 simple ways to reset this summer.

The secret to lining drawers the cheap way.

This is an easy and refreshing chicken salad recipe.

A coastal cottage kitchen refreshed with painted floors.

This spaghetti recipe with zucchini.

Hope you’re soaking up the best of summer wherever you are.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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