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!
We’ll start with the bad news first because I’m still really upset about it.
A Blue Heron Heist
Literally overnight, a blue heron ate all of our beautiful koi fish in the backyard. And yes, it was my fault because we did not net the pond and should have. But hear me out.
This pond is so covered by foliage and trees, the heron used to only drop by the end of the season. We were planning to net it in August but have clearly learned the hard way that the pond needs to netted all year round.
I am determined to enjoy koi in this pond if it is the last thing that I do! So we got some new babies yesterday, netted the pond, and we are going to try again in the backyard.
So how did I know it was a blue heron? Well let me tell you the story.
Before we went to bed, I noticed the fish weren’t really out much like they normally are. And really only saw about 3 of them darting around oddly. It was thundering and a storm was coming so I sort of brushed it off like they were skiddish from the oncoming storms.
In the morning when I let the dogs out, no fish were seen. I usually fed them then and started getting worried. So I texted Chris who was still in bed to let him know we should check the pond a little more closely to see if they were hiding.
About 10 minutes later, the blue heron landed on our back shed roof and was peering at me through the window as if to say thanks for the meal!
I quickly ran outside to chase him away. Chris came down and ran out to check out the front pond. We know he hangs around there but have tried to make it more difficult for him to fish by leaving the big fountain on from before dawn to after dark, stringing lights to make it hard for him to fly down, and adding a blue heron decoy.
He’s definitely gotten some fish down there but the rate versus last summer has dramatically slowed down so we believe we are onto something. It’s difficult to net that pond with the fountain running.
I literally just mentioned to Chris the other day we needed to move the decoy. So he added him to the bridge and would you believe? When he ran out there the blue heron was perched right next to the decoy?????? UGH!
Happy Birthday Tori!
This weekend we celebrated my youngest daughter’s birthday! She had some friends over to celebrate and it was a fun time.
// sunhat // little black dress //
Feature in Birds & Blooms
Thank you to Birds & Blooms Magazine for sharing my thoughts on growing and caring for Korean spice viburnum! Are you growing one yet? If not you should! Read this informative article here.
A BIG Surprise is Coming!
But that’s not all… I’ve been working on something special that will revolutionize your indoor gardening game. If you’ve been on the struggle bus growing plants indoors, I got you! Get ready to say hello to a new way to nurture your leafy friends and create the indoor garden you’ve always dreamed.
What I’m Shopping For This Week
Top sellers of the week (some of which are still on sale) include:
- This paddleball racket
- My living room area rug was a hit this week!
- This flowy boho outfit
- This is the best wet vac for small spills and messes – no wonder it is a top seller this week!
- I bought this purse a few weeks ago and it is my favorite accessory for summer.
Other things I’m shopping for include:
- My roses need more fertilizer.
- This tinted moisturizer.
- These shoes are so cute for fall, right?
When I’m not in the garden, I am usually dressed in some sort of boho look! I’ve always loved the long flowy dresses and jumpsuits. Here are some of my favorites! Click on the image below to see more.
What’s Happening at Bricks ‘n Blooms
It was a fun week on the blog!
How to Keep Rabbits Out of the Garden
Learn how to keep rabbits out of your garden with effective strategies, natural repellents, and planting tips to protect your plants.
How to Make Snapdragons Keep Blooming
Learn how to make snapdragons keep blooming all season with expert care tips for continuous color in your garden.
How to Dry Hydrangeas Perfectly
Learn 4 easy, foolproof methods to dry hydrangeas perfectly to preserve their beauty for months to come.
Boost Your Home’s Value With These 5 Essential Curb Appeal Ideas
Enhance your home’s look with these 5 essential curb appeal ideas.
Sunflower Decor Ideas to Brighten Your Home
Discover easy and beautiful ways to use sunflower decor to brighten your home and create a cheerful atmosphere.
Floral She Shed and Cottage Garden Tour
Come stroll along the driveway to explore the cottage garden flowers that are in full bloom this July. I shared an update on how my seedlings are thriving (and some lessons learned!), plus a peek at my NEW she shed dedicated to all things floral. Get ready for dried flower inspiration, wreath-making ideas, and a glimpse into my creative space. Watch it here!
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.
- Expert tips that share how to make your washing machine fill faster
- These wall basket decor ideas
- This summer reading challenge
- This smoked brisket recipe
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo