Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Celebrating Fathers, Grads, and the Joys of Summer

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 bellflower growing in the garden

This and That

It’s a busy time, isn’t it?

Happy Father’s Day to all the fabulous dads out there. Congratulations to everyone celebrating their loved one’s graduation this month.

white picket fence gate with green colander going to the garden

Doesn’t it feel like we have all these wonderful summer plans squeezed into just a few short months? How do we get it all done?

I’ve been waiting and waiting for the summer garden to bloom, and in my excitement, I’ve found myself wishing for time to move ahead too quickly. But now, with the 4th of July almost here, it’s a reminder that before we know it, August will have us thinking about back-to-school and fall.

Summer goes by so quickly. My goal is to try to be intentional and to truly experience all it has to offer this year and savor every moment. How about you?

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Alderbrook Resort and Spa
Alderbrook Resort and Spa

Question for you locals reading this…have you ever been to Alderbrook Resort?

I think I went with my parents by boat when I was a crabby teenager who didn’t want to do anything with them, so it’s safe to say that no one around me had a very good time.

Alderbrook Resort and Spa lobby
Alderbrook lobby

But as an adult, I fell in love on a day trip for lunch with a friend last week.

The lobby is pictured above. They even had a person holding the door for us as we arrived. That’s hard to find these days.

Alderbrook Resort and Spa restaurant
Alderbrook restaurant

The restaurant is beautiful, with a water view, and the food and service exceeded my expectations. I’ll have to take my hubby here soon.

It’s about 45 minutes from our house and worth the drive. It was a great meal.

Alderbrook Resort and Spa

I got so much inspiration from these gallery walls. I really want to do this on a smaller scale in our house. I’d love to use some pictures of our boat trip experiences, mostly in black and white.

painting bedroom

I made a mistake.

A couple of years ago (maybe it was a year, but it feels like more), I thought it would be a great idea to paint the trim in the guest room a dark gray. Sadly, it looked more black and was too dark for the room.

painting built-in cabinet

I’m painting it a greige color, and it’s starting to look more like a beach cottage again.

I’ll share the updates next week.

“There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments.” – Janet Kilburn Phillips

hydrangeas blooming

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

hydrangea bush starting to bloom

The hydrangeas are starting to bloom. Yay!

cut flower garden container with white petunias, orange marigolds, and potatoes growing

White petunias and marigolds are planted with potatoes, which you can see coming up in the back.

snap peas growing in the garden
snap peas in the garden

I plant snap peas every year for Jax and Ollie. They love waiting for a pea treat while I’m working in the garden.

raised bed garden with strawflowers, Persian Carpet and zucchini

The only flowers blooming right now are zinnias. Above are Persian carpet zinnias between zucchini and strawflowers.

Persian Carpet zinnias

The Persian Carpet varieties are shorter than the taller varieties I’m growing this year, but I love how they look with the vegetables I’m growing.

zinnias starting to bloom in the garden

I’ve got brighter zinnias.

pastel zinnias growing in the raised beds

And some on the pastel side.

cream colored zinnia growing in the garden
pink cosmos flower growing in the garden
pink cosmos

I know I said that zinnias were the only blooms I saw in the cut flower garden, but there is a lone pink Cosmo flower I have to share.

chocolate lace flower dara
Chocolate Lace Flower Dara

Chocolate Lace Flower Dara is a burgundy and chocolate-colored Queen Anne’s lace that will show its color soon.

strawflowers in the garden

I’m growing apricot and pomegranate strawflowers this year, and they are also getting ready to bloom.

yarrow
flower containers on the porch steps

My flower containers are starting to fill out. I depend on these annual flowers every May and June to add a pop of color to the garden, while the summer perennials are mostly green with a few colorful blooms.

pink petunias, verbena, and sweet alyssum in flower containers

The petunias, verbena, and sweet alyssum look gorgeous in the patio containers in front of the greenhouse.

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.


My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

From the Blog

ON SALE: My 35-page Ultimate Garden Planner is on sale now for $4.99. Click the button below to learn more about what is included in this planner. I’m pretty sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Personalize your table with these DIY block print napkins.

I’ve fallen in love with this cozy eco beachfront cottage in Australia!

I want to try making DIY pressed flower wall art this year.

Here are 20+ simple summer salad recipes for your BBQ.

Here’s how to achieve a Nancy Meyers-inspired interior in your home decor.

Visit this Virginia farm, a place of hope and healing.

All you need for summer entertaining with backyard cookout ideas & recipes.

My favorite 4th of July inspiration

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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6 Comments

  1. Happy weekend, Kim! I love seeing all of the flowers that are starting to bloom in your garden. Sadly my zinnias never took, but all of my perennials are in full bloom! Your little getaway sounds like so much fun.

    Thanks for sharing a link to my summer salads. I am always so appreciative!

    1. This is always such a great time for the garden blooms. I can’t wait to try some of your fabulous summer salads Jen!

  2. I love living my garden dreams through your garden. Even though I can grow 365 days of the year, it’s such a different place to do so. Combating all the critters is the biggest obstacle. But, I’ve learned what works.

    1. What a sweet thing to say Tammy. Thank you so much. Like you I have figured out what to do with most pests. But those moles and voles are just too tough for me. UGGGG! Thanks for reaching out my friend.

  3. Kim
    I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Your flowers look amazing. My Hydrangeas are looking great but I wish I had your touch. Thanks for sharing my napkins and the 4th of July thrift store finds posts. You are the best. 😘😘

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