Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Getting Back in the Garden

Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. This is where 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.

pink rhododendrons

This and That…

Happy Weekend! It’s been a crazy and wonderful week, with another one ahead.

This is week 10 with the new knee, and I am doing things that have not been possible since last summer. I still get tired quickly, but I’m getting stronger and stronger each day.

I’m still challenged with “sit to stands” and going down the stairs. I can do both, but it still hurts. I’ll continue to work on strengthening my quads.

There’s been a lot of gardening chores which I’ll share later in this post.

And of course, I always love sharing the flowers with you whenever I take a trip to Trader Joe’s.


As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog contains other affiliate links as well for your convenience. Click here to read my privacy policy.


fuchsia tulips

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

I’ll be starting to harden off my plants today. We’ve had a lot of rain, so I didn’t feel like it was a good time to bring my young seedlings and overwintering geraniums outdoors.

I’m excited to start this next phase before transplanting all my greenhouse plants to the garden.


trailer full of fish compost

I’m happy to report that the trailer full of fish compost is FINALLY empty and in the garden beds.

This means that the most challenging spring garden chores have been completed. The dahlia tubers and perennials are divided as well.



raised beds fill with vibrant tulips

I know I keep sharing my tulips in the raised bed garden, but they are getting even more bright and vibrant every week.

I’ve been cutting them and sharing them with friends and neighbors.

It’s incredible how these tulips can be closed in the morning and open up like this in the afternoon.

fern with newly grown fronds

Do you remember when I cut back all the evergreen ferns in my garden at the beginning of March?

Here’s what they look like now. The new fronds are starting to come in.


make everyday earth day


My Favorite Finds and Deals This Week

BugHut garden products

BugHut Jump Into Spring Kit – 15% Off

For the person who loves to sample! This kit includes everything you’ll need to care for your plants and garden!

  • Magic Mix – An all-natural peat-free potting and planting mix for vigorous plant growth, less watering, and increased microbial activity.
  • De-Stressor Concentrate – Antioxidants vigorously defend against heat, drought & cooler temps
  • Booster Concentrate – Microorganisms pump it up for stronger roots, larger plants & bigger yields
  • Enhancer Sprayer – Bring eye-popping beauty! Beneficial bacteria add vivid colors, greener leaves, and faster growth. Use on all flowers and plants in any stage of growth.
  • Nutrition – Serve something good! Jump-start your plants, flowers, and gardens with a 100% organic diet. 
  • Insect Control – Keep insects away! Garlic oil repels aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, thrips, and squash bugs. The garlic odor disappears in minutes.
  • Soil Wizard Shaker Bottle – Enrich and fortify any soil with our 100% organic soil amendment.
  • BugHut Rain Gauge

I’m using these products in my garden this year and can’t wait to show you the results! BugHut products are eco-friendly, pollinator-friendly, have no harsh chemicals, are pet safe, and made in the U.S.A.

Use the code “shiplapandshells15” for 15% off your order.


Antique Candle Co. sale buy 2 get 1 free

Antique Candle Co. Sale

Buy 2, Get One FREE ON EVERYTHING + FREE SHIPPING! 

Buy 2, Get 1 FREE is back, and this time they are including everything! 

ALL 16 + 8 oz candles, brass candles, candle refill kits, accessories + choose-your-scent antiques + more!

  • Buy 2, get 1 free
  • Buy 4, get 2 free
  • Buy 6, get 3 free

From the Blog

summer cottage garden and birdhouse

Dividing Perennials: Your Garden Guide to How, When, and Why

Did you know that splitting perennial plants in your garden keeps them healthy and can save you money too? This guide will show you the process of dividing perennials, the right timing, and the benefits it brings to your garden.



cottage bedroom with spring and vintage home décor

How to Refresh Your Bedroom with Affordable Vintage Decorating Ideas

Are you looking for affordable ideas to refresh your bedroom space this season? I’ll share some of my favorite vintage decorating ideas that add charm and character to your bedroom.




My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

terra cotta clay herb marker

These are the cutest terra cotta clay herb marker. See how Cindy at DIY Beautify created these for the garden and to use as gifts.

These DIY garden ideas for small spaces.

yellow and blue spring wreath made of book pages

See how Janine from Happy Happy Nester created this delightful book page wreath made from cone-shaped pages.

These favorite lemon vodka drinks.

painted checked plywood floors

Have you ever wondered if you could paint plywood floors? KariAnne at Thistlewood Farms shares how they painted the floors and how they held up a year later.

This easy skillet cheesy green chile enchilada bake recipe.


spring inspired bedding

Molly at Molly in Maine has the most beautiful spring-inspired bedding and bedroom space.

Be sure to see what my vintage-loving friends shared this week on their blogs:


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 week full of joy, kindness, and peace.


PIN AND SAVE ON PINTEREST

If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, please pin and share this on Pinterest.



Be sure to follow me @shiplapandshells on the following…

Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook | LTK | TikTok | Amazon Storefront

Facebook Gardening Tips & Tricks

Similar Posts

8 Comments

  1. I am so excited that we are having such a great week to spend in the garden. I got myself a couple of new garden beds to grow more veggies and flowers. Can’t wait! Thank you Kim for supporting my blog post, so very kind of you.

    1. It has been such an amazing week Melba! I’ve had so much fun being in the garden again. Sounds like you’ve been busy! Thank you for stopping by my friend.

  2. Hi Kim… you have the most beautiful plants I’ve ever seen! Where would I purchase large quantity fish compost? Have you ever used seaweed in the garden? Happy to hear that you are recovering nicely from your surgery! Happy Spring to you!

    Diana C. (Massachusetts)

    1. Hi Diana!
      The fish compost is from Oly Mountain Fish Compost. https://olyfish.com/
      They have been very low on inventory for the last couple of years. We were only able to get 2 yards but that just means I do less work in the backyard that no one sees so I’m ok with that! I have not used seaweed in the yard. I am starting to use a product from BugHut called Nutrition that has seaweed and other wonderful things for my plants. I can’t wait to see how it does. Thank you for your comments and for visiting the blog.

  3. Kim, week 10 on the knee! Wow ….time is flying by. What a relief to have the fish compost gone! Love all your flower pictures as usual…stunning. I just made a paper wreath from Janine at Happy Happy Nester and I love the one you featured…opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Happy Sunday! Love seeing your tulip garden as my tulips are long gone. Right now I am enjoying the best rose garden ever…

    1. Hi Mary,
      I am so happy to be so close to the 12-week mark. From what I’ve heard, everything just gets so much better after that. I just love Janine’s wreaths. They are so unique. I actually love everything she does. I’m happy to give you a little tulip love since you don’t have any more to enjoy. I do from personal experience that your roses are stunning! Enjoy them, my friend. Hugs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *