Saltwater Sounds Weekly: Welcoming August With Open Arms

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 August, happy weekend!

Depending on where you are, it may be hard to welcome another month of summer when the heat is unbearable and you don’t see the end in sight. I seriously can’t imagine.

For us in the Seattle area, it really has been a wonderful summer with mostly comfortable temperatures. We may see rain today, which surprisingly would be welcomed by many. It’s pretty dry out in the garden right now.

The fall debate comes up around this time every year and it’s pretty divided…Are you team fall or team summer right now?

As a blogger, I will start to show more fall inspiration here, but that doesn’t mean that I am ready to say goodbye to summer. This is my favorite season and I’m sticking with it until the very end.

So with that said, when I start sharing some fall season content, I’ll still be sharing my awesome summer with you, including the garden.

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I went to a caftan and cocktail party last weekend.

Everyone dressed in their favorite caftans or kimonos and came for fabulous food, drink, and wonderful conversation.

It was such a great time (thank you, Lisa)!

I’ve decided that I actually like wearing caftans instead of a bathrobe. They’re so comfy and great for when you get out of the shower, get up in the morning, or just lounging. I may look like Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company (if you don’t know who she is, you’re very young) but I’m good.

Here are my 2 favorites: Moss Rose floral pattern, Bohemia swimsuit cover-up,

I just bought this kimono. I’m obsessed with them this season.

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I had lunch with a girlfriend last week.

For those of you that are local, we went to Boathouse 19 at the Narrows Marina and sat outside. It is such a great place to eat in the summer.

Check out the beautiful flower containers they had on the dock.

I was in flower heaven.

This inspired me to start planning my fall planters.

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Around the Garden

The cut flower garden is in full bloom now. The strawflowers, yarrow, zinnias, chocolate lace dara, and statice seem to be blooming the best this season.

The zinnias are the stars right now with their vibrant colors.

These pictures of the garden were taken on an evening walk with the bistro lights on.

Here’s the berry mix yarrow that’s finally in bloom. They were one of the late bloomers.

This is the view of the outside of the cutting garden.

A couple of weeks ago, all you saw was daisies and allium. In another week or two the daises will be gone and the black-eyes Susans and phlox will be all that is standing.

Most of the daisies will be cut down soon. This spot in front of the greenhouse was the last to bloom so we still have a few weeks left to enjoy the happiest flower of the summer.

Here’s a sea of bright and beautiful golden-yellow flowers, frilly sunflowers, and black-eyed Susans.

My pollinator garden overlooking the bay is still going strong. Growing here are purple-blazing stars, purple and white coneflower, blazing star lilies, and some remaining gladiolus.

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What I’m Using in My Garden Right Now

• Sluggo for the slugs and snails
• Liquid Fence for the deer and rabbits
• Neem oil and insecticidal soap for pests
• Garden gloves
• Garden journal for taking notes for next year’s garden
• I’m not using the shade covers now but if you’re having excessive heat issues you can check them out.
• Pruning shears

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From the Blog

See What Bloomed in the Early Summer Flower Garden

Welcome to my early summer flower garden tour! Follow along as I show you which flowers bloomed in my cottage-style garden and cut flower garden in…CONTINUE READING

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August Gardening Tips and To-Dos for the Pacific Northwest

Looking for ways to keep your summer garden productive and healthy while starting to prepare for the fall season? I’ll show you some August gardening tips and to-dos for your Pacific Northwest garden that will …CONTINUE READING.

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SHOP FOR GARDEN SUPPLIES AND TOOLS HERE.

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My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

How to shop for vintage and antique finds when traveling.

I’m making these skewers for a party today. Fingers crossed!

How to add vintage charm to your dining room.

These DIY ideas using flowers and botanicals.

Try these fruity beverages before summer ends.

Redwood City house inspiration.

These Anthropologie-inspired dupes.

Summer vintage markets and old-fashioned bargains.

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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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Other Posts for You to Enjoy

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