Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Late Spring Vibes

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.

garden ferry

This and That

How’s your weekend going?

This Sunday sits perfectly between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, making it feel like a little vacation from the holidays. Yesterday’s rain gave me the perfect excuse to catch up on some indoor painting. I’ve been so focused on gardening this month that the inside of our home needed a little love.

The front yard is still a work in progress with our new fence, freshly planted planter boxes, new raised beds, and a reinvented pathway. I can’t wait to share the final look with you next week, so stay tuned!

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sitting on the deck with the dogs

We have always vacationed in May but decided to stay home this year. It’s been so nice being in the garden this month and enjoying the view from our deck.

Hotel De Haro at the Roche Harbor Resort

I thought it would be fun to share the last two May vacations.

First, our boat trip to the San Juan Islands last year. One of my favorite spots is Roche Harbor.

brick path at Roche Harbor Resort

The Roche Harbor Resort is so charming.

pale peonies in the Roche Harbor garden

They have the most beautiful gardens.

butterfly pollinating on lilac tree

At this time of year, the peonies and lilacs are the show-stoppers.

Dogs on the bench at LaConner

Jax and Ollie love their boat trips.

dogs on the beach after swimming

They take a lot of walks and love their swims in Puget Sound.

The perfect outcome is what happens.

Victoria Young
posing with the Bougainville tree in Italy

Our trip to Italy and Greece in 2022 was amazing! It was my first time visiting, and I was overwhelmed by the history and beauty.

canals and gondola in Venice, Italy

The photo above shows the canal from the door of the restaurant we were having dinner at.

Capri, Italy

Capri, Italy, was more beautiful in person than I even expected.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece, was one of my favorite places. It has white sand and beautiful white and blue buildings.

Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece, was full of history.

Athens, Greece

Read my blog post for more Highlights from our three-week trip to Italy and Greece.

in full bloom ebook
Toucan Tango bearded irises.

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

The bearded irises in the garden have started blooming.

Toucan Tango bearded irises.

These are from Breck’s Bulbs and are Toucan Tango bearded irises.

Byzantinus Gladiolus

The flowers above are Byzantinus Gladiolus, which bloom in the spring, unlike the other gladiolus, which bloom in the summer.

pink rhododendron

Our rhododendrons are in full bloom right now.

pink rhododendron
purple rhododendron
purple rhododendron
white rhododendron
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

phlox, daisies, and black-eyed Susans in cut flower garden
greenhouse with flower containers on steps
greenhouse and white picket fence cut flower garden
sun-kissed citrus candle

What I’m Loving This Week

Enjoy six fresh 16 oz candles in the Antique Candle Co. Summer Bundle of Six. Get each candle for only $28.33 each when you purchase a bundle of six! (Save $58!)

The Old Havannah Collection from Anthropologie is one of my favorites. I always have the pitcher and use it in spring and summer. And check out this cute Countryside Berry Basket.

McGee and Co. is having a Memorial Day Sale with items up to 25% off. Una White Fringe Bath Collection and Antique Brass Taper Candle Holder. I LOVE these Mattia Hand-Painted Bowls!

The Ultimate printable garden planning guide

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

You’re going to love this home in the Kate Marker Interiors portfolio.

This strawberry rhubarb pie recipe looks incredible!

How to host a red, white & blue BBQ party this Memorial Day.

Here’s how to make a DIY block print jute rug.

How about some Oreo pancakes for breakfast?

Last-minute ideas for a meaningful and happy Memorial Day.

Learn how to propagate a fiddle leaf fig tree.

I have a feeling that these cookie dough ice cream bites will be a favorite treat!

When not to makeover a yard sale find.

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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8 Comments

  1. Oh Kim, those rhododendrons remind me so much of my childhood home and mother (in Connecticut). Boy, those photos bring back so many memories. I need to re-read your blog post on Greece and Italy. I’ve never been to Greece and its on our bucket list. Italy, of course, I love and would love to find a small villa there. Thank you so much for sharing my strawberry rhubarb pie recipe! You are the best.

    1. Hi Mary! That was such a great trip for us and I hope we go back one of these days! I can’t wait to try your strawberry rhubarb pie recipe. It looks delicious!

  2. Kim, your May vacations look amazing. I’ve never been to Europe, but it is on my bucket list. My MIL went to Greece and few years ago and she said it is a must-see! Thank you so much for sharing my Memorial Day BBQ. I appreciate you!

    1. I really hope you get to travel to Europe soon, Jen. It is such an amazing experience with so many wonderful memories.

  3. Your garden is truly lovely Kim! What a glorious place to relax! I love Roche Harbor – thanks for the reminder of how beautiful it is. Hope you’re having a great weekend up there my friend!

    1. I love Roche Harbor too, Barbara. There is so much to do there. Now that we have electric bikes we will get to explore even more on our next boat trip!

    1. Thank you, Rachel! We always have so much fun on the boat trips, and the trip to Europe was something I will never forget and cherish.

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