Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Happy May
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.
This and That…
Opening Day at our marina and summer seedlings transplanted in the cut flower garden…what a great start to the month of May.
Thanks for being here! I hope you’re having the most fabulous weekend.
My hubby, dog boys Jax and Ollie, and I stayed on the boat (Wildflower) for Cinco de Mayo. We not only hosted a little get-together that evening, but we were at the marina for the official opening of boating festivities Saturday.
It feels so good to be on Wildflower again after a long absence due to my knee replacement.
We’re also getting ready for our 3-week boating trip to Canada. I can’t wait to take you along as we visit places like Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Salt Spring Island, and much more.
We will have a housesitter and garden help while we’re gone but I will miss the garden. And I’ve been promised pictures!
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Around the Garden and Greenhouse
Let’s start with what’s blooming during this first week of May.
Our Pieris Japonica Mountain Fire shrub has never looked so beautiful. Usually, all you see are the green leaves but the gorgeous pinks and dusty roses have taken over and this shrub is gorgeous!
This evergreen shrub grows in hardiness zones 5-8.
Look what I found at our Costco last week.
This is a Digiplexus Berry Canary and is the first cross-generic hybrid between the tropical Canary Island Foxglove, Isoplexis canariensis, and Digitalis purpurea.
They were $15.99 each and I bought 4 plants.
This is a rhododendron caucasicum. We have rhododendron varieties blooming in the garden from April through June with the most beautiful colors.
Here’s an azalea bloom.
Our viburnum lantana tree is blooming.
We still have a few tulips blooming in the cottage garden. The left variety is a green star tulip and one of my favorites.
They come back strong every year, unlike many tulip varieties that bloom less and less each year and are almost considered an annual.
Here’s an Heirloom Dutch Iris which I don’t remember ever planting in my garden.
The lilacs are blooming and smell so sweet.
Candytuft makes such an incredible statement in May.
I look forward to the alliums blooming every year.
The peonies are budding.
Do you remember when I cut back the ferns in March? This is what they’re looking like this week.
The summer annual seedlings have been transplanted to their new homes for the rest of the growing season.
Here are some sweet peas.
Zinnias are planted in raised beds. I made room for the tomatoes and zucchini to be planted.
These lilliput zinnias will be gorgeous.
Last Minute Mother’s Day Ideas
Antique Candles are now restocked.
For the mom gardener...BugHut “Jump Into Spring” kit has everything she’ll need to keep her plants healthy and beautiful. Use code shiplapandshells15 for 15% off your order.
From the Blog
How to Grow a Flower Container Garden for Beginners
Are you new to gardening and want to start slow? Do you only have a small garden area to work with? If so, flower container gardening is a great option. I’ll share my tips and tricks on how to grow and care for a beautiful flower container garden.
2022 Simple Summer Beach Cottage Home Tour and Decorating Ideas
I’m just starting to decorate my beach cottage for summer and thought it would be fun to share a throwback summer tour from last year with you.
My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week
Looking for a dessert that is simple to make, tastes great, and looks amazing? My friend Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms is sharing the most amazing semi-homemade naked cake with flowers.
How to create botanical artwork with supplies on hand.
The best vintage garden variety market.
Want to know the 10 Best Herbs to Grow and Why? Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse shares which herbs to plant as annuals, which are perennial, and how to preserve herbs for off-season enjoyment.
This coastal Maine house story.
How to easily revive tarnished flatware and trophies.
Spring is here in full bloom and Leslie at My 100-Year-Old Home is sharing an easy peony floral wreath DIY.
Tips for growing vegetables in New England.
This sweet and swirled iced lemon loaf is a great recipe for Mother’s Day brunch.
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.
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Kim, so happy you are on the boat! Your upcoming trip to Canada sounds amazing. Happy Sunday!
Kim
I’m so excited about your trip. Three weeks is amazing. Thanks for sharing my Herb post.
Lovely! Very happy it is time to enjoy your garden photos again this year. Have fun on your trip, I love Butchart Gardens, we have trekked there twice from Boulder. I have picked out a few spots I feel would be perfect home sites 😄.
Kim your trip to Canada sound amazing, I’m so envious. Your part of the world is so beautiful for sure. Thanks for sharing the garden variety market and happy Sunday my friend! P.S. I just shared your green house in my web stories this morning. We were thinking alike!