Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Happy Easter and March Goodbyes

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.

“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.”

Lady Bird Johnson

This and That

The days are growing longer, and flower buds and blossoms can start to be seen outside. It’s the season of renewal and hope.

If Easter is a part of your traditions, I wish you a heartfelt Happy Easter! And for all my friends who follow along week after week, regardless of how you observe this season, I hope it’s filled with the warmth of sunshine, the promise of fresh starts, and the pleasure of seeing the first blooms in your garden.

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Around the Garden and Greenhouse

We were only gone for a week.

When we got home from our boat trip, I couldn’t believe how much the plants and flowers had grown in only eight days.

I was most surprised by the tulips blooming in the raised beds. They were barely blooming when we left, and now 75% are in full bloom. I struggle with pulling them out for cut flowers to bring inside and share with friends.

I mean, that’s the reason why I grow them every year, but they’re so beautiful in the garden when there isn’t much of anything else adding color.

The sunrise view of the greenhouse and water was breathtaking in person. I wish I could recreate it in this picture, but no such luck. You’ll have to trust me. Those daffodils are still looking as gorgeous as ever.

Once the daffodils die back, the allium will take over this outdoor patio space. There’ll be a lot of purple and white flowers in this space.

Here’s an early morning view of the cut flower garden, which has different varieties of tulips and some daffodils. The summer seedlings transplanted here will replace the tulips in another couple of weeks.

Hardening Off the Seedlings

Have you heard of the hardening off process? It’s when you acclimate your overwintering plants and seedlings to the outdoor elements for a period of time so they won’t go into shock when they’re transplanted.

I started taking out every tray and container in the greenhouse on Friday. It’s a lot of work dragging them all outside and back in at the end of the day. This will go on for about two weeks.

And I didn’t forget my overwintering geraniums. Has anyone seen geraniums at Costco yet? If you have, let me know! I always get a few trays of them when they become available.

And if look closely in the picture above, you’ll see the wheelbarrow with fish compost. I can’t wait to add a layer to all my garden beds. They LOVE this stuff! Even though I call it “fish” compost, it doesn’t smell bad. However, I do need to keep telling my dogs not to eat the stuff.

We’ll dig up and divide our dahlia tubers in two weeks. Right now we’re cleaning up the garden beds, weeding, and dividing any perennials outgrowing their space.

My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

From the Blog

16 Thrift Store Finds for Your Spring Vintage Home Decor

Are you looking for ideas to give your home a pretty spring refresh without breaking the bank? This post highlights 16 of my favorite vintage thrift store finds to help you quickly spruce up your spring home decor… CONTINUE READING.

Maintaining a Cut Flower Garden for Beginners

Do you want to add a pop of color to your garden and bring fresh flowers into your home? Growing a cut flower garden will give you both. Whether you’re a new gardener or have a green thumb, these easy tips will help you maintain a healthy and thriving cut flower garden…CONTINUE READING.

April Gardening Tips and To-Dos in the Pacific Northwest

Are you having trouble figuring out what needs to be done in the garden now that spring has finally arrived? The garden needs a lot of love, and there’s so much to do to prepare for this year’s growing season. Today, I’m sharing my April gardening tips and to-dos for your Pacific Northwest garden…CONTINUE READING.

“You may not always end up where you thought you were going, but you will always end up where you were meant to be”.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

This coastal home is so inspiring!

I can’t wait to try this Italian chop pasta salad next week!

Step inside this La Jolla sanctuary.

Check out this fabulous strawberry mousse recipe.

See how to transform plastic pots into book page flower pots.

Sowing Seeds of Joy: The Newest eBook for Growing a Cut Flower Garden

My last eBook was all about PLANNING a cut flower garden.

Now, I’m offering a new eBook about GROWING a cut flower garden. For $12.00, you’ll get my 25-page guide on sowing seeds, the best flowers to grow, hardening off seedlings, and more.

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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