Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Double the Summer Fun

Welcome to Saltwater Soundsa collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. This is where I share all that’s been happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what’s to come and the inspiration I have found from other bloggers around the web.

outdoor space overlooking the Puget Sound

This and That…

Happy Sunday and welcome to the blog!

This was a big week and I have plenty to share with you, especially since I didn’t post a Saltwater Sounds wrap-up last week.

greenhouse with patriotic décor

So I’m bringing double the summer fun today…

  • The cut flower garden is FINALLY blooming and I’ve got pictures to prove it!
  • A look at the pictures of the garden the evening before the 4th of July.
  • My friend Kelly’s gorgeous outdoor space overlooking Puget Sound on the 4th of July.

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greenhouse and cottage garden

A Walk Around the Garden the Evening Before the 4th of July

I planned on sharing pictures of the garden all decked out in patriotic decor earlier but life got in the way. So better late than never, right?

greenhouse and white picket fence garden with patriotic décor
white picket fence garden with patriotic décor
patriotic décor in the garden
patriotic décor in the garden
greenhouse with patriotic décor in the garden

Do you take down your patriotic decor right after the holiday or do you keep them up for a while?

greenhouse and garden
greenhouse and garden
patriotic décor in the garden

I was shocked that it didn’t rain on the night or the evening of the 4th. Look at those clouds!

white picket fence and cottage garden evening view

outdoor deck overlooking the Puget Sound

A Friend’s Stunning Outdoor Space Overlooking the Puget Sound on the 4th of July

I had the privilege of being invited to a friend’s house who lives right on the Puget Sound. If there was ever the best spot to see fireworks, this would be it!

patriotic outdoor décor

Kelly was so gracious to host a 4th of July get-together and I sat there in awe. She has the most beautiful style, doesn’t she?

water view from deck

Her deck was literally DECKED OUT with all new and beautiful outdoor patio furniture. And it was as comfortable as it looks.

coastal décor in outdoor space

Kelly has so many pretty coastal pieces throughout her outdoor spaces and in her home as well.

water view at sunset

Believe it or not, you can actually see our house from this point.


A Walk in the Cut Flower Garden

The cut flower garden is a few weeks behind but we’re finally starting to see some beautiful blooms.

salmon colored snapdragon
white cosmos
  • Snapdragons
  • Cosmos
bachelor's button
salmon gladiolas
  • Bachelor’s Buttons
  • Gladiolas
sweet peas
  • Sweet Peas
strawflowers
cream snapdragons
  • Strawflowers
  • Snapdragons
burgundy cosmos
pink cosmos
  • Cosmos
weeding with dogs

What do you do when your pups want to be close to you while you’re gardening? It really is hard to weed with these two boys on my lap, but it’s hard to say no to these babies.


Look What I Found This Week

I went on a bit of a shopping spree this week but in my defense, these items have been on my shopping list for quite a while and we decided to get them.

stripped bedding

Wheaton Striped Linen/Cotton Duvet Cover & Shams

I chose this navy and white striped linen and cotton duvet and shams for our bed on the boat. Hopefully, we will get it back to the marina from the boat yard in the next few weeks and I can start decorating.

It’s on sale right now at Pottery Barn too!


outdoor rug

Nourison Palamos Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug

I’ll be putting this rug on the deck. I love the pattern!

I saved 45% and paid only $149.04 for a 7’x10′ rug at Target.


blue outdoor fountain

16.93″ Glazed Pot Outdoor Floor Fountain with LED Lights

I really wanted a fountain on the deck but wanted it to be on the small side. I paid $75.99 at Target.


outdoor sectional

5-Piece Brown Wicker Outdoor Patio Sectional Sofa Seating Set with CushionGuard Cushions

We just bought this sectional from Home Depot for the deck. I love having the option of pulling out the section that can be used as a chair. $1429


What’s Happening at Shiplap and Shells…

dahlias in the garden

Since the last time I talked to you, I republished my blog post Everything You Need to Know About Growing and Caring for Your Garden Dahlias. I hope you find this helpful when growing your own dahlias.

July gardening to dos graphic

I’ve shared some July Gardening Tips and To-Dos for the Pacific Northwest Region for you as well.


Bees choice dahlia

Are you looking for ways to bring bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden? See how you can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden and which flowers they love the most.

CLICK HERE to see how to attract pollinators to your summer garden.


My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web…

coastal table setting

I am such a fan of my friend Molly’s new blog…Molly in Maine. She has been a favorite over on Instagram and now I can’t wait for every new post she publishes.

You will love Molly’s Summer in Maine: A Coastal Table Setting on the Porch post! So much coastal inspiration for these summer months!


salad ingredients

Are you ready for some yummy salad recipes? Well, look no further. The very talented Leslie from My 100-Year-Old Home shares the most delicious salad recipes with chicken for summer.


country house with stone exterior and gardens

Astrid from the Nordroom shared another inspirational home. This restored cozy country house in England is a must-see.


More Inspiration

Tour Nancy Meyer’s L.A. home.

I used this recipe to make my bacon and cheese quiches for the 4th of July breakfast party.

This beautiful and polished home.

This key lime pie recipe.

Geraniums…the perfect summer flower.


shade cloth covering garden

An Oldie But a Goodie

9 Ways to Protect Your Garden From Extreme Heat


I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment and let me know what you’d like to see on the blog! Thank you for being here.

Until next time,

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,


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23 Comments

  1. Every time I read your posts, Kim, I feel transported to the PNW and it’s always such a treat! I’m totally obsessed in the best possible way with your garden – gah – it is STUNNING! It was so much fun to see the celebration at your friend’s house too. I loved her outdoor furniture and all the pops of patriotic spirit she sprinkled throughout as well. It was really pretty. Your dogs are so stinking cute! I would literally not get anything done if I lived at your house because I would be playing with them all the time. It’s so sweet to see the way they shower you with so much love! Big hugs, CoCo

  2. Kim that view from your friend’s house is amazing!!! Your gardens look beautiful – I know it’s a drag that they are taking longer this year to get going but they will explode soon – I can’t wait to see it all! Thanks for sharing my backyard porch post! xoxo

  3. Kim I loved your Fourth of July bunting and your friends home is amazing. That view? can’t wait to see your new furniture decorated too?

  4. Thanks so much for sharing my porch table setting! I love your garden decked out for the 4th! Such a great way to hang bunting on your fence and the flags on the lights are a great touch! And oh, your friend’s house is stupendous! RIGHT on the water! I planted some cosmos and bachelor buttons in the field this year. I am hoping they will self seed and more will come back next year. Fingers crossed!

    Thanks again for the shout-out!

    1. Hi Molly! I got so much inspiration from your table setting. I hope I can create one that looks half as good as yours before the summer is over. I agree, my friend Kelly’s house is AMAZING! And what a view she has. I think I will invite myself over there soon!

  5. I feel like I say this to you in every comment but here goes – your garden is so beautiful. Your outlook is amazing. I’ve been following Molly in Maine too, I love her home as well. There’s a theme here – I want to live by the sea. Thank you for sharing photos of your garden. I can live vicariously through you while my garden is suffering gale force winds and blistering rain.

    1. Oh, Carol. You are so sweet and I never get tired of you telling me that my garden is beautiful. I really do appreciate it. Molly is quite a talent, isn’t she? So happy she now has a blog. Yes, I do see a theme. I hope your weather calms down a bit, but I’m sure you are nice and cozy in your beautiful home.

  6. Hi! Your yard and home are so beautiful. We actually drove by and saw your yard decorated for the holiday, so fun! I have the Wheaten duvet cover and shams in dusty rose in my main bedroom and I love them! Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos. ??

    1. Thank you Tammy! I appreciate the compliment. I’ll be sure to wave if I see you next time your drive by. I’m so glad to hear that you like your duvet cover and shams. What a pretty color. I can’t wait to get mine! And what a great deal!

  7. This post feels like it was made just for me!! A fun little trip to your friend’s patio of fabulous views! You always give us the loveliest links of things to enjoy elsewhere on the Internet. I loved the walk through your finally blooming cutting garden. They pretty pictures of each beautiful flower and it’s name was a gift. I saved a copy of the photo of you and the boys in the garden. I titled it This Is Happiness. For me, this photo captures an ordinary moment that shows how every day life can be full of little bits of happiness. Thank you for the reminder. ❤️

    1. What a kind message you’ve sent me today Beth. It’s people like you that make a difference in someone’s day just by the thoughtfulness and kindness you share with others. I can’t thank you enough for making my day brighter. My boys in the garden really are the definition of happiness. Thank you for being here and enjoy your week ahead. Hugs.

  8. Kim, oh your pictures this week are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!! I just want to sit and look at your garden and then go to your friend’s house and sit and look at the ocean! That sunset view is award-winning! Also, thank you for sharing my key lime pie…I need to make another one this week as it is so easy and delicious. Thank you so much for sharing such beauty on this Sunday morning!

    1. You are so sweet, Mary. Thank you! I really wanted to share these 4th of July garden pictures on their own blog post but they’ll be great to share again next year. I loved them so much I had to share them all here today though. I can’t wait to try the key lime recipe. My hubby is going to be so happy. And it’s so pretty too. Have a great week ahead my friend.

  9. Stunning 4th pictures from both your and your friend’s home, I had to lol at your gardening picture with your fur babies! That will teach you to not leave them, again! Seriously I love that picture! We lost our little guy last week (sobbing) after a lengthy illness……
    Your blog always makes me homesick for the PNW.

    1. Oh, Marci, I am so sorry for the loss of your pup. It really breaks your heart when you lose a fur baby. We miss our Lucy. It’s just not the same without her bossing around the boys. Jax and Ollie do seem much more clingy since I’ve gotten back from the trip. The poor guys are scared I’m going to leave them again. They don’t have anything to worry about though. Sending you big hugs my friend.

    1. Thank you so much, Florencia. I appreciate you visiting the blog and reaching out. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

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