Bricks ‘n Blooms Weekly 133

Hi there!

I hope you had a great week!

And Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

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Random Things Happening Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

What a week it was!

I FINALLY wrapped up all of my seeds starting for the spring. Over the last week, I planted several pumpkin seeds, sunflowers, and more cosmos.

So far so good, everything else I planted seems to be doing well and growing quickly!

The gardens look amazing right now as they grow and fill in. My roses have all begun to bloom and smell completely amazing when lounging by the pool.

There’s really nothing like sitting among roses as they bloom. The fragrance is really incredible.

My peonies are starting to look like marshmallows and preparing to flower. The viburnums and ninebark started blooming this week too.

I’m really pleased with the progress this year and can’t believe how much different they look since last year at this time.

That one lisianthus is hanging on by a string. Still hasn’t grown but let’s see what happens.

As an aside, I’ve not had this experience before with a type of seed. Like it sprouted, grew a little, and then just flatlined in growth.

Will it grow more? Will it stay as it is? Anyone want to take an over/under on this one?

After a very long few weeks of planting, we spent the weekend in Vermont, but are heading back today so we can enjoy some time together in the pool on Monday.

While in Vermont we took the boat out for the first time this year, went out to dinner at our favorite restaurants, did a little hiking, and hit my favorite antique flea market.

There are always so many vendors there on holiday weekends, so it’s really the best time to go. And I found the best stuff that I’ll share in a later post.

The latest project we are wrapping up more quickly than I thought was the bridge over the front pond.

We noticed some of the floorboards were starting to rot, so Chris and his friend Mark spent the last few weekends replacing them.

And yes, it’s almost time to take a break from the projects for the summer. This was the last one we planned to do until fall.

But we wanted to get it done before Tori’s Senior Prom so we could get some great pics out there like last year.

What I’m Shopping For This Week

It was a lighter week than usual and more random things than just the garden. Here’s what I bought this week.

In the Garden

• I set up the trellis netting in the potager garden to support my cut flower garden. To set them up, I need to get a few more green garden stakes. I like using these because they have the little divets in them to grip onto the trellis netting support.
• And speaking of the green garden stakes, I bought a few more mini terracotta pots to top them off so I can see them in the garden while I’m working.
• I also bought a few more small peat pots to start my pumpkin seeds. I love using these for the direct sow-type plants because I have more control over the soil and their growing conditions. And then you can just plant the peat pot directly into the ground without disturbing the roots.
• This 4-way copper hose splitter. I have one already in the front but needed one in the back.
• While I generally do not fertilize my shrubs, I did purchase this one for my acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons. One of the azaleas here has been on the struggle bus this year. And I think it’s from the very hot dry summer we had last year where it got very little water. They have very shallow roots and the lack of water probably really stressed it out. I’d like to prune it this week and give it a little boost for next year with some fertilizer now that it’s done flowering.

For Me

• Ok, so I was totally influenced by a beauty influencer to try this under-eye cream. I don’t even think the TT was done before I bought the product. LOL! I’ll let you know what I think after I start using it.
• Do you remember when I shared about the time I got poison ivy and how I never wanted it again? Well…I got it again. And I think I picked it up in the woods behind my house. Ugh. Anyway, I ordered more of this AWESOME poison ivy scrub that really takes the itch out and dries up the rash. I’m telling you, I keep a few extras stashed in my cabinet for this very reason! Cause you never know and it’s better to be prepared.

For the House

• I finally broke down and ordered new chair cushions for the outdoor dining set. We’ve had ours for several years now and they are just done. Haven’t been able to get them really clean anymore, so time for a new set.
• We needed a few more wine tumblers for the garden tours. It’s much easier to walk around with and keeps the wine at a chilled temperature.

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun but super busy week on the blog!

So let’s get into it.

We kicked the week off with an organic pest control method that I tried a few years ago that worked really well.

Have you ever released ladybugs in your garden before?

They are beneficial insects that keep gardens healthy without the use of pesticides. So this post shares some great tips for attracting more to your gardens, but also how to release ladybugs that you purchase in the garden.

I also shared my garden rooms and outdoor living spaces summer home tour. Did you catch it?

If not, wait until you see how amazing it all looks! The potager is quickly becoming a favorite, but you’ll have to tell me what you think.

Finally, my supper club and I got together to celebrate the major summer holidays with fun backyard BBQ ideas for Dad and Memorial Day Weekend.

From table decor, centerpieces, and entertaining ideas to an insanely delicious BBQ menu, this post has it all.

I was in charge of bringing the specialty cocktail this week and let me tell you, this one really packs a punch!

I also shared my latest YouTube Video where you can see the potager garden in action with this table setting idea.

And finally, since the gardening season is in full swing, I shared some money-saving tips at the garden nursery that you need to know.

Amazing Inspiration from Around the Web

I love finding cool inspiration from around the web and wanted to share some of what I’m loving right now.

These ways to add vintage charm to your bedroom.

I love these thrift store finds for the garden.

These tips for growing foxgloves.

I love these patriotic decorating ideas.

These tips for growing annual poppies.

This red white and blue summer house tour.

If you enjoy these posts, you can find past Bricks ‘n Blooms Weekly posts here.

And… If you’re catching up on blog posts you may have missed, be sure to sign-up to get my newest posts via email to stay up to date with everything that’s happening here on the blog and more.

Garden Supplies I Use

I’m often asked about the garden supplies and tools that I use most. From pruners to deer repellents, here are some of my favorites in no particular order.

• I like to use a good-quality, potting soil, garden soil, compost, and perlite when planting.
• I have used this deer repellent with great success. But now, I’m all about this deer repellent that is systemic instead of topical. This means the plant takes it in as opposed to it just smelling bad.
• Hands down this is my favorite hand-weeding tool. You can use it to get underneath roots, and loosen soil, and it cuts down on the weeding time because you work much faster.
• But I also love this long, stand-up weeding tool to really get around roses from afar.
• I like to use THIS ORGANIC FERTILIZER for roses because the blooms are more prolific and it’s organic.
• You’ll need a sharp set of pruners when working with plants and flowers. I buy a few so I can stash them around.
• I use these garden snips to deadhead and cut flowers from my gardens.
• Where pest and disease problems are concerned, if I need to, I generally use this insecticidal soap or neem oil to help control infestations depending on the issue. When using, only apply when pollinators are less active.
• This is my favorite set-and-forget slow-release fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, and container gardens.
• Whenever I stake my peonies or other plants, I generally use these grow through garden supports because they work really well and keep the blooms upright.

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