Hi there!
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!
I had an amazing Mother’s Day weekend with my family. We shopped for a statue to add to the zen garden, went out to lunch, and bought more koi fish for the backyard pond.
We brought the fish home and then it got a little cold at night for them so they started looking a little lifeless. Chris bought a pond heater and created a small alcove for them with the heater in it and they perked right up!
They are still a little shy with people but seem to be adjusting well in the pond. They are a little larger than the fish we previously had so I think they’ll need a little more time to acclimate in their new surroundings. It is, after all, much different from a big blue tank in the shop!
While we were out shopping, we found two Buddha statues. Since I’ve gotten a few messages about them, I’m going to address it here.
Since we moved here, I’ve wanted to include two different Buddha statues in the zen garden. I wanted one that was meditating in one corner and a fat happy Buddha that I could see from the family room. He is supposed to bring good luck, joy, and good fortune. Plus, I love to see them!
There is no religious meaning or reference to me aside from that, although it might mean that for some. I enjoy practicing yoga and believe these garden decorations for the zen garden promote mindfulness, peace, and relaxation. That’s it.
If you are following me and you are not a fan, that’s okay! We don’t have to like the same things. It’s my garden – I’m going to decorate and plant it how I see fit.
Moving on!
Speaking of the zen garden, I potted up some flowers and the space is really coming along! Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!
New for me, is a bougainvillea. I’ve never grown one before, have you? I planted one in the largest container I have near my new Buddha statue and I love it! The space is really coming along. This year I’m focusing more on calming pinks, purple, and whites in this garden.
Koi Fish Drama
When we brought our new family of koi fish home last Saturday, they seemed pretty happy in the pond. But Mother’s Day turned pretty chilly and the pond water got cold so they got really nervous because they were cold and all started hiding.
It was really alarming after the experience we had in the fall, so Chris bought them a heater and created a little alcove for them so they could huddle around the heat. Adding that small heater helped them so much!
This pond is relatively small so even though we can’t heat the whole pond per se, just making a heated area gave them a place to warm, space place to hang while they acclimate.
These fish are bit larger than the ones we bought previously, so they are a little skiddish around people still. But the weather has warmed and they are coming out more. The are starting to eat so I think they will do okay! Stay tuned!
What I’m Shopping For This Week
With potting flowers, I spent the week shopping at the nursery as well as online for plants, flowers, and supplies! Here are some garden and home items I bought this week.
In the Garden
- Potting Soil – seriously, I need more. I’m already out from the last several bags I bought! This should be it though – I think!
- Deer Repellent – I’ve got a lot of new plants to protect.
- Neem Oil – Some of my garden roses are a bit fussy and get black spot need it. I usually lean toward growing roses that are more resistant, but these are plants that were planted well before I moved in. They are much more work!
- Slow-release fertilizer for my annuals – I am going through it quickly while I plant.
Around the House
- Sunscreen – We are running low and need it! If you are spending more time outside you need it too. I’ve had a few friends recently who were diagnosed with skin cancer.
- This drill brush accessory kit to help clean the outdoor cushions.
- My dogs are shedding like crazy now. Just look at them and their fur is everywhere. This pet hair scraper is THE BEST for removing pet hair for from furniture, carpet…you name it.
What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms
It was a fun week on the blog!
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Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
