Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Summer Sun and Fun

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…

Welcome to another week on the blog. As always, I’m so grateful to have you following along each week.

We have had the most incredible summer weather so far. Yes, I’m knocking on wood! We’ve really been fortunate so far this summer in the PNW. I will say that there is part of me that misses the occasional rainfall. But it’s nice to not have muddy pawprints all over the floors and white slipcovers.

I know the summer weather has been all over the board around the country. Excessive heat, floods, smoke from the fires in Canada… all of it. For those of you that have had miserable weather, I hope you are safe and sound and things turn around.

What’s happening where you are this weekend?

We had the most fabulous evening last weekend.

My husband and I were guests of the couple who won a progressive dinner at our community auction last spring.

Here we are at the first house toasting to the evening.

And this was the view. Isn’t it incredible? I didn’t want to leave.

I was very proud of myself for not taking pictures for the rest of the evening and really enjoying being in the moment.

But the blogger part of me felt bad for not sharing it all with you.

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My friend who does my hair gets fresh flowers delivered to her business every week. I was blown away by this arrangement.

Speaking of hair, I FINALLY got mine done after 15 weeks. I was sick right before my last appointment so I have been avoiding the camera on Instagram lately. It was pretty rough. But I’m feeling myself again. Yay for hair highlights!

This is my friend Lori’s greenhouse. Isn’t it dreamy?

Around the Garden

I know I’ve been sharing my hydrangeas with you every week but I can’t help it! Every week gets better and better.

I love the variety of colors filling this space in my cottage garden.

Stunning! Am I right?

Here’s a view from the seating area. I told you we were having extremely good weather this summer.

This could be my favorite little spot in the garden. The lilies, coneflower, blazing star, and gladiolus transformed this spot from humdrum to FABULOUS!

I did not do this space justice with the angle and sunlight but I will try to do better when the blazing star is in full bloom.

This is the other side with my new white coneflowers that I LOVE!

My goal is to update my greenhouse garden area this fall. It has gotten too overgrown and tall. I want to move things around and thin it out. This area is giving me some good ideas and inspiration.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to divide my perennials this spring because of my knee replacement, and the garden really paid the price.

Here’s some bird yard art for you. Isn’t she sweet?

Another dahlia variety is blooming. Does anyone know what this is called?

The daisies and allium make a lovely pair here. When these flowers die down the garden phlox will take their place.

I had no idea that the bees loved allium so much. They are all over those flowers.

Here’s the cut flower garden. It isn’t even half of what it will look like in a couple more weeks.

I know I’ve already shared my Queen Anne’s Lace with you but it is just the biggest surprise to me. It’s getting more beautiful every day.

And remember, I don’t have a drip system for it since it’s a volunteer and growing from the brick pavers.

You’ve seen the zinnias but above them are the gorgeous yarrow finally starting to show itself.

Summer gardening is so good for my soul. How about you?

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What I’m Using in My Garden Right Now

• I am keeping the slugs away with Sluggo. It’s pet and people safe.
• Do you lose your garden pruners like me? I just ordered more for the season.
• The pests are really messing with my garden this season. I just ordered more neem oil and insecticidal soap.
• I just ordered this tool for the weeds in my brick pavers. Can’t wait to see how it does. I’ll keep you posted.
• The deer and bunnies seem to be staying away from the Liquid Fence I spray on the flowers at least once every other week. I use the concentrate which seems to last forever.
• I had a few more planters that needed some work so I bought some organic potting mix for them.

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From the Blog

Summer Tablescape Ideas and Inspiration for Al Fresco Dining

Looking for tablescape ideas and inspiration to elevate your summer al fresco dining experience? I’ll show you the different ways you can transform your outdoor space into a picture-perfect summer vibe with just the right summer tablescape.

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25 Best Perennials Plants For a Low Maintenance Flower Garden

Do you love growing a flower garden but are overwhelmed by all the work it takes to maintain and care for it? Today I’m sharing my favorite perennial plant options to create the low maintenance garden you’ve always dreamed of.

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My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

These year-round wreath ideas.

How to store fresh-cut rosemary for the best flavor.

This Nantucket cottage.

This yummy and easy Mediterranean Mezze Platter.

How to make an easy topiary with a vintage urn.

The best summer salads.

Companion plant ideas for the vegetable garden.

How to make DIY coasters with burlap fabric.

Summer garden flower arrangement tutorial.

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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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