Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Spring Planting and Boating Beginnings
Welcome to this week’s edition of Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what to look forward to on the blog, and the inspiration I’ve found throughout the week.
Hello May! I’ve been waiting for you!
The garden is waking up in a big way, and I’m doing my best to keep up. It’s that beautiful time of year when the days stretch a little longer and everything feels just a bit more alive.
I spent this past week doing two of my favorite things – gardening and being on the boat.
The weather has been pretty terrific lately. We even had a 75°F day, which was amazing! Looks like we’re going to have another nice week ahead.
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Opening Day at the Marina
Yesterday was the official start to boating season at the Longbranch Marina. It was so nice spending time on our “Wildflower” again!
Since our last big trip in September, we’ve been working on many different boat projects, so we’ve been missing her a lot lately.
We spent a day last week cleaning the boat and getting it ready, then enjoyed a relaxing Friday night on the water. There’s something so peaceful about waking up on the boat.
We’re already dreaming of our next trip and can’t wait for more sunny days on Puget Sound.
It’s Lilac Season
The lilacs are blooming and smell so sweet.
Lilac season is one of my favorite times in the garden. I’ve been clipping big bunches and bringing them into the house.
I love filling my old galvanized buckets full of gorgeous flowers. They’re not only pretty to look at, but the fragrance is amazing. It fills the whole room with that sweet spring scent, and I can’t get enough of it.
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A Walk in the Garden
Let’s start with what’s blooming during this first week of May.
The clematis is blooming on several of the arbors and trellises in our cottage garden.
The above blooming tree is a Rhododendron caucasicum. We have white, pale pink, purple, and fuchsia rhododendron varieties blooming in the garden from April through June.
The azaleas are showing off in a big way right now as well.
I always love this lavender azalea when it blooms in May.
I look forward to the alliums blooming every year. They’ll look incredible next week!
The warmer weather has been challenging for the seedlings. Some are thriving, but others are still trying to find their footing.
I’ve been watering more than usual and keeping a close eye on everything. We’ve had plenty of cloudy, overcast days and rain in the past, so these young plants seem more sensitive to the weather than usual.
I’m also still working on planting the rest of the flower containers.
“What a lonely place it would be to have a world without a wildflower!”
― Roland R. Kemler
On the Blog
How to Support Garden Flowers to Keep Them from Falling Over
Did you know that strong winds and heavy rains can cause heavy damage to your tall plant’s beautiful blooms? Even heavy flowers can bend and break from their own weight if they’re not protected. I’ll show you the different ways to support your garden flowers to keep them from falling over…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.
May Gardening Tips and To-Dos for the Pacific Northwest
Get your hands dirty this May with these gardening to-dos for the Pacific Northwest. From planting summer annual seedlings to preparing your garden bed soil, these monthly tips will help you create a thriving garden this growing season…CONTINUE READING.
The Many Benefits of Mulching Your Garden Beds
Does your garden need a little boost? By mulching garden beds, you’ll provide numerous benefits to your outdoor spaces, including promoting plant health and optimizing growing conditions…CONTINUE READING.
How to Bring the Outdoor Elements Into Your Home for the Spring Season
Are you ready for a spring refresh? I‘ll show you how to liven things up by bringing outdoor elements inside your home for spring…CONTINUE READING.
My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week
More Inspiration
You’ll love this 1906 carriage house!
The healing properties of roses.
The 10 best herbs to grow and why.
How to start collecting vintage home decor.
How to easily revive tarnished flatware and trophies.
Try making this easy peony floral wreath DIY.
This elegant house, located in Victoria’s historic Uplands neighborhood, was originally designed in 1907.
This sweet and swirled iced lemon loaf is a great Mother’s Day brunch recipe.
May on the Maine Coast with blue stripes, bright blooms, and buoys.
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.
Wishing you a week filled with sunshine, garden therapy, and moments of peace wherever you find them.
Until next time,
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Kim, it is so exciting to see what is blooming in your yard. We are on our way up to our mountain cabin (haven’t been all winter) and am hoping the lilacs I planted made it through a rather dry winter. Yet, last week it snowed so who knows what I will find. Love all your links to cool things and may steal one for my Saturday Meanderings as I love the 1906 carriage house which has my wallpaper! Be well, my sweet friend.
Hi Mary!
I hope you’re up in your cabin and enjoying it! You’ll have to tell me if the lilacs made it. I’m sure you wrote about them in your Saturday Meanderings. I’ll have to go on over and check it out. I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day! Sending you all my love!