Hi there!

I hope you had a great week!

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What a week it was!

We FINALLY got rain. And alot of it!

Chris was in NYC for an arbitration for a few days and wound up coming back earlier than expected. He arrived back at our local train station in the middle of that massive storm that rolled up the northeast. Like the rain was going sideways and I thought all my plants were breaking.

I thought to myself, maybe I should wait because it was really coming down and my older dog was pretty scared from the thunder. But then I considered my poor husband standing there at the train station standing around in that torrential rain, so I decided to get him stat!

As I was pulling down my driveway, it was raining so hard, it was almost difficult to see. The train station is maybe 2 minutes from my house so I didn’t need to travel far. I could do this!

But as I was slowly leaving my driveway, a huge branch came down on the front end of my car! Yikes! Luckily, the bigger part of it fell just before my bumper so only the side branches came down on the rest of my car but it was enough for me to say…whoa maybe this is not a good idea!

My neighbor was kind enough to help move the branch out of the way after the rain let up a bit so I could leave to get him. It was scary but all was OK! I was fine, the car surprisingly didn’t have any damage, and Chris did not get soaked waiting for me.

The plants on the other hand…they are another story! Some of the them were really leaning after the storm, so I’ll need to spend time this week propping everyone back up.

A lush garden with blooming flowers features prominent white hydrangeas and pink strawflowers amongst greenery. The hydrangeas form large, rounded clusters of tiny white petals, while the strawflowers showcase pink and peach petals with yellow centers.

Pond Garden Update

Since we last chatted, the heron has been quieter than usual. Is he still stalking the pond? I think so.

Last weekend, he tried to get in through the pseudo fence, scat mats, and netting we set up but had no success accessing my fish. So I think we are onto something.

Oh and we added a Ring doorbell back there to specifically view the pond so I can yell at the bird if he comes back and tries to fish. LOL

Flora Lane

On Instagram, I ran a poll to rebrand the old new cottage garden that sits alongside the driveway by the pool and we have a winner!

This garden will now lovingly be referred to as Flora Lane which suits it well. The driveway must be at least 40 or 50 feet and I’ve got flowers planted the whole way.

A vibrant garden bed along a paved pathway, bordered by a green fence. The garden is filled with a variety of colorful flowers, including pink, purple, yellow, and white blooms. A clay pot and green posts add decorative touches to the garden's edge.
Flora Lane

A Weekend Away

After the rainy week here in New Jersey, Chris and I got away with my daughters for a quick trip to Vermont. We went to the flea market and let me be the first to tell you…I got a haul! I’ll be sharing it later this week.

But we also spent some time on the lake, enjoyed some fire pit time and cooked up some good eats on the grill. It was great spending time with the fam for a few days and now…back to reality!

Stop Throwing Money Away on Dead Plants! My “No-Fail” Houseplant Course is Coming! 🌱

Remember those beautiful houseplants you brought home, full of hope for a green and vibrant space? But then… droopy leaves. Yellowing stems. The dreaded trash can trip.

It’s not just heartbreaking – it’s a waste of money!

I get it. I used to be that person too. A master of my outdoor flower garden, but a serial killer of anything indoors.

But I’m here to tell you: Anyone can grow healthy houseplants!

That’s why I created my new 10-Day Plant Parenting 101: Houseplant Mastery Course. It’s your fast-track to a thriving indoor garden without the frustration and wasted cash.

In just 10 days, you’ll gain the confidence to:

  • Choose plants that actually want to live in your home: No more impulse buys that end in tragedy!
  • Water like a pro: Finally understand how much, how often, and all those little signs your plants are giving you.
  • Become a light detective: Crack the code on what “bright indirect light” actually means for your space.
  • Give your plants the perfect home: Learn the secrets of soil, repotting, and keeping those roots happy.

No more dead plants. No more wasted money. Just a thriving indoor oasis that makes you proud.

Stay tuned for enrollment details! Get ready to turn your “black thumb” green and watch your home come alive.

Early birds get the worm (or in this case, the thriving houseplant)! The first few to sign up will get a special bonus, so keep an eye on your inbox!

A wooden dresser with multiple drawers is adorned with various potted plants and a round clock with Roman numerals. Above the dresser hangs a framed piece of textile art featuring a colorful butterfly, flowers, and foliage.

Console Table \\ Butterfly Arched Wall Decor \\ Clock \\ Vase \\ Alocasia Dawn \\ Chinese Evergreen \\ Fiddle Leaf Fig

It’s been a random week of stuff! I’m starting to look at fall decor for my home and of course, needed a few odds and ends for the garden. Here’s what I’m shopping for this week!

For the Garden

  • I bought this obelisk for my front porch planters. I cannot wait until they arrive for my fall container garden design!
  • And I saw this hanging planter and HAD to have it for my sunroom. I am 100% grabbing hydrangeas to dry with a houseplant tucked inside. Love this idea!
  • Slow-release fertilizer for my annuals and houseplants. It’s the last time I’m applying it for the season. I ran out so I needed to get more.
  • This adjustible rake to get between the different shrubs in my garden and get out the leaves.

If you are getting ready for fall like I am, here are my fall garden essentials.

In My Cart Fall Decor

  • I’m seriously considering this area rug for my family room. When we moved in, I used an area rug we had laying around and haven’t bought one specifically for our home. I want something with a little more color for this space. What do you think?
  • I’ve wanted a tray for my free standing vintage tub for THE LONGEST TIME. When I saw Magnolia’s, I knew I had to have it!
  • I want this lamp for my family room. I’m debating though between getting one or two to balance out the space.
  • And this brass tray would look so pretty in my family room too! I’m thinking of placing it on the round coffee table.
  • Not fall decor but a few of you were asking about my boho summer dress in the foraging flowers post. It’s really comfortable, fits true to size, and comes in several different colors. I bought lake blue.

These are the most popular products on my blog this week!

A woman wearing a blue dress and a straw hat stands in a garden, holding a bunch of colorful flowers in one hand and garden shears in the other. Raised flower beds surround her, and a water fountain is visible in the background. She is smiling at the camera.

Boho dress \\ Sunhat \\ OASIS Snips \\ Fountain \\ 3″ Terracotta Pots

It was a fun week on the blog!

DIY Flower Arranging: A Foraged Summer Bouquet Tutorial

No garden? No problem! Learn how to forage for flowers and create stunning arrangements to bring the outdoors in.

A woman in a straw hat and blue dress stands behind a wooden table with various flowers, plants, and floral arranging tools in a cozy flower shop. A sign reading "The Potting Shed, Flower & Gift Shoppe" hangs above her.

Dreamy Fall Garden Design: Your Guide to Color and Texture

Level up your fall garden design with expert tips on using color and texture to create a breathtaking autumnal masterpiece.

Fresh Flower DIY Fall Wreath Tutorial for Your Front Door

Create a stunning DIY fall wreath for your front door using fresh flowers from your garden with this easy step-by-step tutorial.

A DIY fall garden wreath made of bright, colorful flowers including sunflowers, zinnias, and various pink and red blossoms is hanging on a beige door. The wreath is adorned with green ivy and features a gold lion-shaped door knocker at the center.
I love this fall garden wreath DIY with the ivy

Stunning Hydrangea Wreath DIY: Craft It for Free

Craft a stunning hydrangea wreath for free with this easy DIY tutorial. Learn how to use materials you already have to create a beautiful seasonal decoration.

Handcrafted hydrangea wreaths made of dried blue and green hydrangeas laid on a rustic wooden surface with garden shears

Early Fall Decor Ideas to Ease You Out of Summer

Embrace autumn’s arrival with these early fall decor ideas. Gently transition your home from summer vibes to cozy fall feels.

A cozy family room scene with a dark sofa adorned with white and mustard-colored pillows and a chunky knit throw, perfect for early fall decor ideas. A carved wooden coffee table holds a vase with flowers, a gourd, a book, and decorative items. Large green plants are in the background.

Round Coffee Table \\ Round Side Table \\ Wire Cloche Set \\ Gourd

Your New Favorite Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe

Discover your new favorite easy zucchini bread recipe! Perfect for beginners, this moist and delicious bread is quick to make and sure to please. Make it today!

A close-up of a loaf of freshly baked zucchini bread on a wooden surface, with two slices cut from it. The bread has a golden-brown crust and a soft, moist interior speckled with shredded zucchini, showcasing its texture and ingredients.

My Latest Videos

Full Summer Garden Tour

Join me on a post-storm garden tour as we assess the damage and discover unexpected beauty in the aftermath. We’ll explore my diverse garden layout, from the charming cottage garden to the tranquil zen retreat, showcasing a variety of features like the potager, cutting garden, ponds, pool, and unique tree sculptures.

Along the way, I’ll share insights into some of the plants, garden design, layout ideas, and tips for recovering from storm damage. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this video offers inspiration for creating your own outdoor oasis.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see the resilience of nature and the power of garden design. Watch it here!

A vibrant garden with blooming flowers in various colors is in the foreground. The text overlay reads, "FULL SUMMER GARDEN TOUR - GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS" at the top, and "BRICKS 'N BLOOMS" at the bottom. A vintage bicycle is visible in the background.

Let’s Make a Fall Centerpiece

Let’s make a beautiful fall centerpiece using fresh-cut flowers from my fall garden. I’ll show you how to make a beautiful flower arrangement using fresh flowers and greens from your garden.

Wait until you see how beautiful this centerpiece turned out! It is perfect for my fall harvest dinner party on the deck this weekend! Learn how to make one just like it for your fall decor. 🍂🌸 Watch it here!

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

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

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

The bricks \'n Blooms guide to a beautiful and easy-care flower garden book by stacy ling
The Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide to a Beautiful and Easy Care Flower Garden
  • Have you never met a plant you couldn’t kill?
  • Have you dug around in the dirt with nothing to show for it except a sunburn and a sore back?
  • Do you currently enjoy growing flowers, but are looking for more tips and ideas to level up your gardening game?

Then the Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide is for YOU

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4 Comments

  1. The tree falling had to be startling. A ring doorbell is genius. You will get that bird to leave your fish babies alone. You go!