Bricks 'n Blooms Weekly 176

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I hope you had a great week!

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Random Things Happening Behind the Scenes at Bricks ‘n Blooms

What a week it was!

It was a chilly week here in New Jersey but my plantings so far have fared well. I didn’t cover anything and my cool season flowers and herbs don’t look amazing but are doing okay and I’m sure will bounce back as we warm up again.

My daughter’s 24th birthday is this week so our home has been filled with fellow Bucknellians for a weekend bash celebrating with her. Everyone is going home today but it’s always nice filling our home with lots of friends and fun.

We started rehabbing a bed by the pool that was seriously overgrown with evergreens and ivy. It was a hot mess to clean up but it’s looking good so far. We wound up keeping a few evergreens and discovered a few statues that were buried under the growth.

Pool lounge chairs and umbrellas and a garden — The garden behind the lounge chairs is bland, overgrown and not aesthetically pleasing. This year it will be filled with hydrangeas, perennials, and flowering annuals.

I had a little issue with some seed starts this week and had to totally toss a batch that I started. Ugh.

I bought some seeds for pincushion flowers (I was mistakenly referring to it as stock all week, but it was actually pincushion). Anywho, I purchased both pincushion and stock flower seeds on sale from a high quality grower that was selling off all of their stock.

I thought I was getting a great deal right? Well I started the pincushion flowers from seed and shortly after germinating, they almost all dampened off. Because of my experience last year with growing lisianthus, I decided not to waste the indoor seed starting space or risk anything affecting my other seed starts that are healthy and strong.

So I put them to pasture outside and will not be growing them this year. I still have the packet of stock seeds from that same grower and I’m just going to toss them. I’m not even going to try.

I think the seeds were a little old and just not worth trying to grow. Maybe I’ll try sowing them outdoors after the last frost date to see what happens.

Updated pool garden March 20, 2024 — The pool garden after we cleaned out the blue spruces and ivy

What I’m Shopping For This Week

It was a busy week seed starting and prepping for spring! I found some great deals during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale for the Garden. Here are a few favorites from the sale!

These raised garden beds. If you need a little more control over your soil, I had very similar beds in my former garden and these were easy to put together and great to use!
This patio heater is great for keeping warm in your outdoor living spaces. They work really well. We want to get one for the back porch!
These grow lights are great to give your indoor plants a little extra sunlight!
This repotting mat is a must-have to keep your spaces neat and clean. It really helps contain the mess. I love mine.
You cannot beat a foldable wagon. I used this to bring my books in and out of the home and garden show but I also use it when I’m at flea markets. It’s great to haul stuff around your yard too.
I’ve been eyeing this birkin philodendron for a while, so it’s great to finally see it on sale!

container garden for spring filled with spreading pansies, ranunculus and cordyline

What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms

It was a fun week on the blog!

The Best Way to Start Cosmos From Seed

Dreaming of a vibrant cottage garden without the hassle? This guide shows you how to grow the stunning cosmos flower from seed to bloom. Learn the best way to start cosmos from seed with these simple tips.

Double Click Snow Puff cosmos — Double Click Cosmos with light pink flowers

Mastering the Art of Growing Pink Princess Philodendron

This in-depth guide unveils the secrets to maximizing variegation, promoting growth, and creating a stunning climbing display. Learn how to give your beloved pink princess philodendron the care it deserves.

Bearded Iris Care

Unleash the rainbow of iris flowers! Master bearded iris care: plant, bloom, & multiply like a pro! Read on for stunning blooms all season!

close up of bearded irises in the garden

Creative Ways to Use Easter Flowers in Your Decor

Ditch the vase! This post goes beyond the bouquet, offering creative ways to use Easter flowers to decorate your entire home. Find inspiration for centerpieces, wreaths, and more to celebrate spring in full bloom!

close up of easter flowers table centerpiece with fresh cut pink tulips

Chopped Tomato, Cucumber, & Onion Salad

Discover a refreshing and healthy chopped salad recipe packed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions. This simple salad with cucumber, tomato, and onions tastes so good with a light vinaigrette. Wait until you try it!

close up of easy salad with cucumber, tomato, onion recipe — Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe

Rumchata Dream: Cupcakes Soaked in Boozy Bliss

Looking for an amazing dessert that is super delicious and easy to make? Wait until you try this recipe for Rumchata cupcakes.

Easter Brunch Dessert ideas with close up of rumchata cupcakes

Planting Pansies

Join me in the garden as well plant some pansies for spring!

close up of purple pansies and violas with purple flowers

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.

This DIY moss wreath is perfect for spring.
This rustic reclaimed wood DIY herb rack.
This chicken caesar salad recipe.

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

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