Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Welcome to October

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 October!

We’re back home from our 23-day boating trip around Puget Sound. We had such a great time, but as always we are also so happy to be back home.

I think Jax and Ollie, our pups, are even happier to be back home.

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AROUND THE GARDEN

We kept getting pictures of the garden here and there from our housesitter but they did not do it justice. It was such a wonderful surprise to see so many flowers still blooming.

Here are the flowers that are still blooming in the cut flower garden this fall:

The dahlias and zinnias are currently the prettiest cut flowers in the garden.

When I took these pictures yesterday afternoon, the bees were out in full force as you can see from the above image with the yellow dahlia.

Here’s a row of dahlias looking out to the bay. I planted marigolds, which are a natural deer-repellent, along the cut flower garden border which seemed to really help to keep them away.

Here are more dahlias in the garden with yet another bumble bee who seemed quite happy.

I was amazed by how many zinnias were still in the garden.

The plan is to save the seeds of all the varieties so I can grow them again next year. They had the best year ever.

Zinnias… everywhere you look!

The cosmos were a very pleasant surprise when we came back.

It was a really tough year for them and they lacked height AND blooms. I’m not sure what happened since I didn’t do anything differently from the previous year.

But when we came back they were twice the height and the flowers were no longer lacking.

The strawflowers have slowed down for the season but they’re still hanging in there. I’ve really enjoyed them in the raised beds this year and they looked amazing next to the milkweed which is blooming like crazy right now.

Ollie is feeling right at home in the flower garden again. I was blown away by how big the tomato plants got. I didn’t take a very good picture but the entire 4’x4′ raised bed is full and there are still so many more tomatoes that still need to ripen.

Asters and Sedum Autumn Joy are looking great right now.

I’ll be dividing these and transplanting them to other areas in the garden this month. I can’t believe how big the plants have gotten.

I’m going to pick up pumpkins and cornstalks this next week now that we’re home. And maybe a mum or two if I’m lucky.

What’s going on in your garden right now?

SHOP GARDEN SUPPLIES AND TOOLS

WHAT I’M USING IN MY GARDEN RIGHT NOW

AROUND OUR BEACH COTTAGE

Like I said before, it’s so good to be home again.

I had just barely gotten our cottage decorated for fall before we left so now I’m looking forward to reworking some of the areas that I wasn’t really happy with.

I’m also going to try to repaint the kitchen island this week. I received so many comments on color choices on an Instagram post but would love to hear what color you would suggest.

SHOP MY FALL HOME DECOR FAVORITES HERE

WHAT I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW

FROM THE BLOG

October Gardening Tips for the Pacific Northwest

Are you looking for tips on October gardening in the Pacific Northwest during this busy time of seasonal transition? I’ll share what areas need attention in the early fall garden now that the leaves are starting to change color and summer flowers are fading away… CONTINUE READING.

How to Store Dahlia Tubers Over Winter

Are you thinking about overwintering your dahlia tubers through the cold winter season? I’ll share some different methods and simple tips on how to safely dig up and store your dahlia tubers over the winter…CONTINUE READING.

MY FAVORITE INSPIRATION AROUND THE WEB THIS WEEK

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a fresh flower pumpkin arrangement.

These outdoor table decor ideas for backyard entertaining.

You’re going to want to check out this pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe.

Some easy fall kitchen table decor ideas for a cozy room.

How about a pumpkin spice cocktail for fall?

Create a beautiful five-minute French Country wreath.

Learn how to make patina pumpkins for fall.

My friend Jen is selling fall bulbs.

A historic townhouse on Majorca with a striped pool. And I LOVE the pool!

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,

Other Posts for You to Enjoy

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