Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Love Is In the Air This Week

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

Happy Superbowl Sunday!

Are you a football fan? Or maybe you just like the Superbowl party and commercials? Or are you doing something completely different today?

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Happy Valentine’s Day

It’s going to be a busy week. Another holiday is almost here. Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday, with Easter close behind this year on March 31st. It seems really early, doesn’t it?

We have made it a rule to stay home on Valentine’s Day or we celebrate on another day when there aren’t as many crowds.

Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day, or maybe Galentine’s Day? If so, how do you celebrate?

Tea Party

I had two girlfriends who had birthdays that needed celebrating. What better way than to have an afternoon tea party?

Eight of us went to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle to have afternoon tea last Sunday. I had never been, so it was a great experience, especially seeing the amazing architecture.

Opened in 1924, Fairmont Olympic Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The scones were my favorite!

And of course, the desserts were incredible!

As we walked out to get our car, I caught a gentleman taking this floral arrangement from a wedding that took place the night before. Of course, I had to take a picture of the gorgeous flowers.

Around the Garden and Greenhouse

The garden has started waking up and I am so happy! So many spring-blooming bulbs are popping out of the ground.

Here is the raised bed filled with daffodils in the cut flower garden. You can start to see the blooms turning yellow. It won’t be long now.

Here is one of the raised beds of tulips. I don’t remember them being this far along in February of last year.

Because of the sunny Saturday, we had yesterday, I was able to get deer repellent sprayed on all the tulips so the deer wouldn’t be tempted to snack on them.

The first blooming crocuses are an even more beautiful shade of purple this week. The hyacinths have even started popping out of the ground.

The hellebores are looking gorgeous in the garden. I love this color.

I have to tell you, being in the garden yesterday inspired me. I am getting so excited to be playing in the dirt again and cleaning things up after the long, and extra cold winter season.

I wanted to share this picture of one of my evergreen ferns.

Do you see how brown many of the fronds are? Well, I will be cutting my outdoor ferns back in just a few weeks so new fronds will grow back in their place.

If you want to read more about the process, you can read my blog post How to Cut Back Outdoor Garden Evergreen Ferns in the Garden.

My Gardening Tool and Product Favorites

The sweet peas are sprouting in the greenhouse after a week.

I have also sown yarrow, chocolate lace flowers, and strawflowers. This is one of my favorite parts about gardening and I can’t wait to keep you updated.

Do you want to download my eBook on Planning a Cut Flower Garden? You can get it here.

Around Our Beach Cottage

I decided not to decorate for Valentine’s Day this year. It just felt rushed this year. I know I need to get those bunnies out soon for Easter.

I’ve been focusing on making things cozy around here, especially on those rainy days. I love candle season. Antique Candle Co. has the best deep winter collection.

What I’m Loving This Week

From the Blog

How to Grow and Care for Your Spring Bulb Flowers

Don’t you love how spring-flowering bulbs bring color and life back to the garden after a cold winter season? This guide will take you through the essential steps to grow and care for your spring bulb flowers, rewarding you with a gorgeous growing season… CONTINUE READING.

How to Cut Back Outdoor Garden Evergreen Ferns in the Garden

Are your outdoor ferns looking old and tired? This post will guide you through the best practices for cutting back outdoor evergreen ferns for the new season…CONTINUE READING.

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…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Comforting Cottagecore Recipes for Your Recipe Box

DIY Clay Easter Eggs: Budget Pottery Barn Dupe

Coconut oil salt scrub

27 Easy ways to use old vintage books in Home Decor

How To Make A Flower Arrangement In A Basket

Lemon Rose Shortbread Cookies.

DIY Faux Concrete Planter Tutorial

How to Grow an Everblooming Colorful Garden With Minimal Fuss

Check out the sweetest pink desserts you’ve ever seen.

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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